Re; Solution for the Homeless.
Prince George is not lacking in homeless shelters. There are residential and businesses around the old Connaught Inn that would be greatly affected by the idea that it should be turned into a resort for the homeless from who knows where. The homeless come in different varieties, good and bad.
I would like to quote from an article Ben Meisner wrote years ago. A good many street people prefer B.C. because of much better living conditions here. The point being, of course, are we trying to make the central core of Prince George the place to be for the homeless of Central and Northern B.C.? What are other communities doing to look after these people?
No one would suggest the homeless don't need help, but in most cases would they not be served better in their home communities, closer to family and friends? That is, unless the living standards are so good here that a trip to P.G. is a solid move up.
Over the years, we have gradually seen the number of street people in Prince George grow. The situation is not unlike the premise of the movie Field of Dreams.... if you build it, they will come.
I would like to see the Connaught Inn turned into apartments for the working poor, seniors trying to survive on one Income, students so deep in debt they will never be able to pay it back, just trying to get a education. There are local people out there that need help, so don't just focus on the homeless.
Helen Sarrazin
Prince George
