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Originally Posted by Scrambler
I'm not happy when I see people on the street or that look hungry. I hate to say it, but using the money spent on the Olympics to build housing in the Downtown Eastside will do what exactly?
I thought people only get free homes when they win some sort of lottery.
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WEll its quite often not free homes, they are still required to often pay rent, etc. A more accurate way would be to say its subsidized....
Also, keep in a mind a big chunk of homelessness as well is the working poor. These people have jobs, and are working. Full-time. They often can't afford a home, are not making enough at their job, etc. Its an extremely difficult problem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrambler
Good point, I'm not a Social Worker myself, and I don't have any idea what the solution could be (Drug addition/Mental lissues/etc). What the original point is, is what causing a riot will do to help their situation. Absolutely nothing.
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WEll, there are a variety of causes to homelessness, just like there are a variety of solutions to it. Mental health? Yup, could be. Drug addiction? Yup, could be. Have a job already? Yup, could be. The list is endless...
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Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard
Are there problems in Vancouver related to homelessness and drug addictions, there sure are, but just throwing money at the issue as seems to be the common answer with many of the protesters isn't going to do anything to help their situation... people need to want to help themselves before help can truely be effective. I don't know if this is unsympathetic towards the drug abusers and I am sure many people will find it to be but the state can't coddle everyone who is down and out... There is only so much that can be done, and I personally have a problem with giving someone who hasn't done anything to earn a house a house.
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You are right to an extent, people need to want to change. However, some people cannot: e.g. an addiction, e.g. mental health, e.g. they actually are working (I keep repeating this because it is a huge challenge across the country), people don't have the skills to change (not everyone knows where to look for a job, or who to talk to), some people don't seek help because they are ashamed, some people need to hit rock bottom first, etc....
I understand your view, its just important to consider all sides is all.