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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Solutions wanted

It’s hard to read the paper or watch the local media without seeing a story on the homeless in Spokane’s downtown core.

Fifteen years ago I got lifesaving help from the Downtown Homeless Veterans and the VA Hospital and caring staff. Because of them, I’ve been able to live out here in the Spokane Valley in affordable housing; living one’s senior years in a stable condition isn’t overrated. I can still remember those cold January mornings in a Hillyard alley.

The homeless population is growing out here in the Valley. I won’t pretend to have any answers. I’ll leave that up to the politicians and professionals. Maybe not take Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle’s plan. A fellow vet found a homeless man that had hung himself Monday 100 yards behind our place. We said to each other we hoped the guy wasn’t a vet. Very sad either way.

Jerry Sletvold

Spokane Valley

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