Talk about homelessness

It’s encouraging seeing the Catholic Charities building for the homeless people. Thanks to the Father Bach Haven house that helps those that just plain fall through the cracks. Thanks to Shawn Vestal’s column that enlightens us about Spokane’s efforts to alleviate a problem that threatens to become critical. Shawn’s estimate of 5,000 homeless is unacceptable. Priority Spokane attempting to put forth a ballot to help with affordable housing is also hopeful.

I am tired of the emphasis on the current police problem and never ending infighting of the City Council when evidence of homelessness is everywhere. The spectacle of it is obvious in daytime. I shudder to think of the miseries of the night and approaching winter for these people.

Granted this is a nearly impossible problem to solve, but an easy problem to ignore. There are many unfortunate reasons for homelessness we don’t want to admit to, and it’s time the matter is addressed, we have no choice. As a society we can’t abandon the young, the old, the sick or the mentally ill. This affects every family in some way. Can we please talk about this instead?

Francie Armstrong

Spokane