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

Don’t placate but rehabilitate

Spokesman Review reporter Adam Shanks authors a story (10/25/21 edition) with the heading “Shelter operators brace for rough winter.” His story documents that there likely will not be enough beds this Winter to accommodate the homeless people. I have read such a story time and time again over past Winters. The problem perpetuates when no solution is offered.

I maintain there never will be enough beds if the city continues to placate the homeless rather than rehabilitate them. The Union Gospel Mission provides evidence of such a program on East Sprague. This program includes a used car sales lot with complete services for auto repair. The staff includes former homeless people that have completed the UGM rehabilitation program. The UGM business model is one solution to the homeless problem. And not a penny of taxpayer money is involved.

Gordon Spunich

Spokane Valley

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