adma
Superstar
Let Mies van der Rohe have the final word in this thread
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Agreed. Why the moderators haven't banned a certain troll is beyond me ... he is clearly doing nothing but fishing for reactions, and has lied to us about his origins.After reading all the heartfelt messages for Layton, in Nathan Phillips Square this afternoon and then reading the stupidity on here, I find it rather depressing. Enough already.
She, along with many other homeless, doesn't want to go to a shelter because they're apparently full of drug addicts who have been evicted from apartments for non-payment of rent, and thieves. She made the point, which seems quite sensible to me, that if their rent was paid for them then they wouldn't cash their assistance cheques and spend the money on drugs.
I walked through Nathan Phillips Square last night to see some of the new renovations. I was in utter despair. The place was completely overrun by homeless people. Every single bench was claimed by at least one street-person. People were sleeping on the ground in boxes. Some were even sleeping in tents. What the hell's going on?! Whatever happened to the $14 million "Streets to Homes" program? Absolutely shameful!
Having worked with social assistance recipients for many years, I have long advocated for prepaid rent and some sort of food voucher system. However, like anything, it's not simple. Not everyone needs help with budgeting or stretching an insufficient monthly budget to cover costs, but some folks do. I've worked with people who love this type of arrangements and others who wouldn't thank you for it. I've seen people go hungry, including children, living without heat, risking eviction and the list goes on.
So what to do? A blanket prepaid rent system? That works out well for those who don't/won't pay their rent and for the landlords who then get paid on time, but what about personal pride, learning budgeting skills, taking responsibility,etc? Let people try and if they're struggling after a certain amount of time, start a prepaid/voucher system?
I've struggled with these questions for years!
Totally the right idea - wonder how receptive the current administration would be to that though.
AoD