Editor:
I am writing to you today not just as a concerned citizen of Williams Lake but as someone deeply invested in the fabric of our community. It is with this perspective that I extend my full support for the proposed emergency shelter at the former Elks Hall.
The meticulous presentation by BC Housing, and comprehensive report by city staff, outlines not just a response to an urgent need but a thoughtful strategy.
I By addressing the current homelessness crisis head-on, initiatives like the proposed emergency shelter are not merely acts of necessity but profound commitments to the well-being and dignity of all our citizens.
I believe that addressing such challenges head-on is what strengthens a community, not just in terms of infrastructure, but in compassion and solidarity.
The proposed site, while contentious, has been identified after careful consideration. The commitment to a five-year lease, while finding a more permanent solution, demonstrates a responsible approach to an urgent problem. Moreover, the proposed good neighbour bylaw, is a step towards ensuring that the shelter operates with respect.
Mayor Rathor’s appeal for solutions over simple endorsements or rejections of the proposal resonates with me. To this end, I propose that the city council consider:
1. Enhanced Community Engagement: Regular forums for dialogue between the shelter’s management, residents, and business owners.
2. Youth Involvement: Leveraging youth programs to engage young people in supporting the shelter could provide vital services and foster a culture of empathy and community service.
3. Cultural and Artistic Integration: I see an opportunity for the shelter to become a beacon of community expression, perhaps through murals or cultural programs that celebrate Williams Lake’s diversity.
I urge the city council to support BC Housing’s proposal for statutory immunity for the Elks Hall as a temporary emergency shelter. This is an opportunity for Williams Lake to lead by example, showing that even in the face of challenge and discomfort, we are a community that comes together for the greater good.
Together, we can create a Williams Lake that stands as a beacon of inclusivity and compassion.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Schoen (he/him)
Williams Lake