Helping the homeless

I wish I couldn’t write this letter but unfortunately I have some knowledge on this topic via family members. First of all it does not matter how much money we spend – nothing will change the addicts unless they want to change. I have attended multiple graduations from treatment programs, so I can state that unless the person wants to change, no program nor any amount of money can create the change.

So accept the fact that nothing can change the life of an addict unless they truly desire it. As to the shelter situation, has anyone considered that renting or purchasing a location like the old Lowe’s building (on Division Avenue) that has been vacant for several years could be the perfect answer? We could turn this into a homeless shelter which could accommodate many people. This is not in a neighborhood, and no neighborhood wants the homeless as neighbors as they are a threat to families.

This would make a deserted building useful, provide shelter to the homeless without destroying neighborhoods, and its size would give more control as opposed to placing them in multiple locations and require fewer numbers of people to oversee the situation. I think this would be less of a burden on the taxpayers and give law enforcement a better chance of controlling the situation with less strain on staff.

The homeless are constantly requesting shelter space, and this could handle large numbers. Proudly, I must tell you this idea comes from my 18-year-old granddaughter.

Sharon Simpson

Spokane