So what do you do with these people? They are all over the place causing all kinds of problems. Needles everywhere, fights, defecating/urinating outside, theft, vandalism, leaving trash everywhere. Drugging out, overdosing causing stress to others having to deal with and witness, what do people suggest we do about this serious problem? What if they are outside your house, harassing you, your family, and your neighbors?
I think that the points that DWS brings up are quite good.
If we ignore all of the “rights and freedoms” based arguments, “Why are we spending money to forcing people into treatment, when people who actually want to get into treatment can’t, because of a lack of money?” is still quite damming of the program.
If someone wants to get clean, they are much more likely to actually stay clean than someone who was forced to. It’s not a one-and-done process. If you don’t have supports and tools set-up, relapse rates, even if you want to be clean, are quite high.
If the goal is to reduce the amount of drug users, putting the money to help people who want to be helped would go much further.
You give them homes, a safe supply and therapy.
It just doesn’t work that simply.
I’ve been there. Took 20 years to think, hey, maybe this isn’t the best way to live.
I’ve also been in a position later in life to offer people a home (not just a shelter), and support.
Had one dude die in his shit covered room.
Another disappeared into the ether, a pile of wet clothes all that was left of him.
Another chick just didn’t give a fuck about anyone so booted her.
One was so sickeningly filthy… It required full shield respirators, boots, and gloves just to enter to clean their room.They were all great liars. They all abused my kindness.
In 7 years only one of those I’ve given a chance to rebuild had done anything to improve themselves.
It may take them another 5 or 10 or 15 years to finally want to help themselves. Maybe never.
Drugs are fucking powerful.
I don’t know what the answers are. I am grateful for those who helped me.
I’m sorry to the people was a nuisance to.
But I have no sympathy for people who give no fucks about the harms they cause. Especially the ones who think they’re cool tough guys.
I think this is a bit simplistic. I think a large amount of people don’t want help or won’t accept it, mostly i think it is psychological problems. They don’t have the capacity or ability to be responsible for themselves and maintain a living space. People who actually want help can find it, i don’t believe these are the people who are being talked about to be honest. I do think an educated 3rd party is necessary to keep government from being heavy handed in their decision making.
Let’s be clear that this is a way to criminalize homelessness, nothing more. We all know they’re not gonna send the white collar or trades addicts to these places. In the Depression era vagrant laws and asylums served the same purpose.
