A violent and unprovoked attack on a homeless man was captured on video last month and, after police released footage in the hopes of identifying the suspect, readers responded in shock that such a thing could happen.
Um, really?
You’re shocked that jerks attack people who are homeless like this?
Guess what? There are a lot of people in Burnaby who are ready to do exactly that. I’ve been getting a lot calls and emails from local residents in the Metrotown area about a new homeless camp that has set up in the neighbourhood.
I’m not going to say exactly where it’s located because I don’t want people to go down there and hassle anyone. My point is to highlight the responses from people who are upset about the camp.
They aren’t upset at the failures of multiple levels of government to deal with poverty in Canada – they are upset that this poverty is interfering with the happiness of our lives.
“I shouldn’t have to see this when I’m walking around my neighbourhood,” said one resident, who brought that old chestnut about how he "pays taxes" as thought that gives him special rights to not look at people less fortunate than him.
Oh yeah? Well, people shouldn’t be forced to live on the streets due to the negligence of politicians.
Some expressed concern about “needles” being discarded in the area that could injure someone. Fair enough, but how about expressing some sympathy for those who abuse substances and also demand that our leaders do more to deal with addictions.
Then there are the tough guys (in this case, it was all men) who demand the city “crack down” on the camp.
“I want this camp blown up by the city,” another resident told me. “I want them rousted and for the city to get rid of them.”
To where, I asked.
“Anywhere but where I live.”
Oh, OK. Sure, buddy.
That’s not how it works. You can just break up a camp and tell them to move. It’s not that simple.
Burnaby has more people who are homeless living in camps around the city than people realize. It’s just that most of those camps are more hidden in busy areas, like just off Highway 1. People are fine with that as long as they don’t have to see or care about it. The minute they are faced with homelessness, which is on the rise due to the pandemic, then they want city workers to come in and kick some ass.
It’s pretty callous.
It was announced recently that Burnaby is receiving $1,233,375 in joint provincial and federal funding for actions to support people experiencing homelessness.
The project will focus on a “homeless hub” drop-in centre, a “safe and stigma-free space for unsheltered people to go during the day to access services, programming, and opportunities for social connections,” said the release. Other actions will include cooling stations during extreme heat events, a shower program, and a housing support worker for women and children fleeing violence.
I guess that’s something.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
