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LETTER: Explain plans to remedy homelessness

Community needs mayor to work actively, not only behind scenes

An open letter to Mayor Bruce Banman, re: homeless issue.

I totally understand that you are between a rock and a hard place. No matter what decision you make, someone is going to be angry.

You had to make the best decision you could with the information you had, and although I believe that you made the wrong decision, it was your decision to make.

I also believe that you have a caring heart for Abbotsford and all of its members, including the homeless.

What I don’t understand is why you have refused to show your compassion. Just saying “no” and leaving it at that is not good enough.

I’m sure that you are doing things behind the scenes to help address the issue of homelessness in Abbotsford, but this community needs to see you actively on stage, not just behind the scenes.

Why not open up the discussion and explain (probably for the millionth time) why you made the decision you made and what actions you plan on taking to begin to remedy the issue of homelessness in Abbotsford. Not just elusive ideas that you plan on implementing sometime in the future, but practical things that you are starting to do today, if not as a city, then as an individual who cares about his community.

As frustrating and infuriating as this situation is to me, I have to say that some good has come out of it in my own life.

As I have been fighting to give a voice to the homeless, I have been inspired to give more than just a voice.

I have been inspired to be more intentional with building relationships and sharing my time and resources with people in Abbotsford who need it (even when it is not a “hot topic”).

I’m sure you will be pleased to know that I will use my frustration with injustice and put it into practical action within our community.

Laura Vegt

Abbotsford