Burnaby can afford to help build permanent shelter for homeless
Re: Silence on homelessness deafening (Column, NewsLeader, Jan. 11)
I am as surprised as Chris Bryan (editor) is that there was no response to his column on the lack of facilities for the homeless in Burnaby.
It seems as though Mayor Derek Corrigan is hoping that homeless individuals will go elsewhere, such as New Westminster or Vancouver. Surely a key function of government is assisting those who are lacking the basic needs, and shelter is a fundamental one.
I live near Edmonds SkyTrain station and have noticed a small blue tent in a wooded area near the station. It was there for several weeks. This is indicative of the lack of shelter for the homeless in Burnaby. I cannot imagine the challenges of living in a tent during the winter in Burnaby.
Given the large reserve fund which was mentioned in the column, it seems like an excellent use of some of these funds, to purchase some land for a permanent shelter.
Many much smaller cities have them. We recently moved from Chilliwack, where Ruth and Naomi's Mission has lately been opened to assist the homeless.
M. McGrath
Burnaby
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