I realize the encampments are problematic for lots of reasons and the solutions aren’t easy but leave these poor people alone.
I realize the encampments are problematic for lots of reasons and the solutions aren’t easy but leave these poor people alone.
I don’t think stigma about drugs helps. This is how these folks are surviving. I spent some time this summer helping feed encampment residents and the stories are awful. Fetal alcohol syndrome, scabies, you name it.
This person was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentynal and meth. These are awful drugs and they are putting lives at serious risk. Plus digging tunnels in parks is… just too much.
The conditions you describe do sound awful.
One girl was just out there this summer simply because her job laid her off. Nothing more. That’s how on edge things are. Of course those drugs are terrible, but I wouldn’t give a shit either if humanity and my government had consigned me to living in a park.
Also I encountered a man who lost most of his fingers to frostbite in an encampment. His first finger joints mostly fell off and the rest looked like exploded dynamite sticks, black and frizzled. I don’t begrudge someone who went through that.
I had a period of my life in which I slept in parks, under bridges, in shelters, and did a lot of drugs (it’s cheaper than eating).
What I never did was break in, steal, destroy peoples belongings, leave bags of stolen goods and garbage everywhere.
My problems were mine.
It was a rough ride, but I climbed out of that hole.
Currently my house is located in an area where homeless and tweakers often try to find a place to hide/shelter.
One cut an active gas line at the house next door to sell for scrap. That was fun.
I’ve spoken with many.
I just tell them : do whatever the fuck you want, just don’t cause problems for the people who live here. Most are cool. I will give them smokes, or a drink, or a snack. My garden provides an abundance of grape leaves, peppers and tomatoes for many.
I can empathize.
The one’s that keep trying to steal, or worse - it’s to them I am not kind.
So how did you get your money for drugs?
Ontario works. Pooled with friends to get quantity for cheap.
I haven’t a qualm about them stealing. If my government and fellow humans had consigned me to sleeping in a tent in the park in icy weather, I’d steal whatever I needed and not feel bad about it.
Well maybe if it was necessary.
A shower chair was stolen from an elderly woman and left sitting out back.
They steal anything. Everything. No matter if it’s useful.
If they’re stealing food. OK. Even still, there are dozens of places around to get a hot meal.
But, you have to be awake during the day.
… only having two minimum wage jobs …