Dear Sir:

This letter is in response to the articles “Program Described as a Haven for Drug Users” and “Homeless Program Lives Another Day”.

I am writing in appreciation to the community members who advocated toward keeping the community soup kitchen open to those residents who need it. In this time of economic hardship, poverty has become an even more important social justice issue.

It is nice to see that our close-knit community can come together for events such as Hockeyville, but address local need as well, for the betterment of our community members.

It is discouraging that a local resident chose to label this establishment a “druggie day care”. This labelling only serves to further stigmatize and stereotype those dealing with the hindrance of poverty.

I don’t suppose this person took into consideration the fact that “one in six Canadian children (17.5%) lives in poverty” (Hick, 2007, p.281).

Further, that without programs like these, some may have gone hungry that day and many others.

To end such programs because of the flaws of a few, only promotes the inequality and lack of opportunity, programs, and resources that is the cause of poverty in our society.

Crime and poverty are important issues, but is important to recognize that they are separate issues which cannot be solved by the perpetuation of marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination against vulnerable populations.

References: Hick, Steven (2007) 2nd edition. Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security, p. 281.

Lori Burger,

Terrace, B.C.