The Tri-Cities are blessed with a high quality of living despite high rents and high housing prices as well as rising costs for food, utilities and car ownership.
But sometimes these bills are too much, especially for individuals in crisis who are dealing with illness, mental health concerns or drug addiction — or all three. When a perfect storm of conditions arise, homelessness can result.
This is something we are seeing in this region, where 61 newly homeless people have used the shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave. in Coquitlam in recent months.
These are people who — for a variety of reasons, often family breakdown — find themselves without resources and find food, shelter, help with medications, clothing and support services at the shelter, which opened in December.
But there are times when people who are homeless don't fit the patterns of social discourse that we are accustomed to, and for that reason 3030 Gordon has become a magnet for community complaints.
We argue, however, that the homeless shelter is not the source of problems but is in fact a timely service that is working to end homelessness, and with its community cleanups and partnership with the RCMP, is making the area safer.
Homelessness is a complex social problem that is not easy to solve in the short term and with it comes social disorder that may effect people living and working in the community. These issues include loitering, littering, open drug or alcohol consumption, soliciting, trespassing and disturbing the peace.
But these issues will take place regardless and, if homelessness is allowed to spread around the region, could become worse because people are not connected with services.
Yes, there will be complaints, and so there should be. Without a vigilant population, community safety can deteriorate. Fortunately, the Coquitlam RCMP and the staff at 3030 Gordon appear ready to deal with many issues — and the more they know they more they can work through problems.
As well, it should be noted that while being homeless is not a crime, some kinds of public conduct are illegal and should be reported to the police. It's also true that a little understanding goes a long way to making the community a safer place.
