Editor's note: Ms. Mathieu writes in response to How can North Bay HELP our Gathering Place succeed? And also Gathering Place funding request denied by DNSSAB Board.
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Dear editor,
Hello. Just responding to Don Benedict's letter about how to help the Gathering Place.
I do agree that they should make their financial records available. However, I disagree with putting poor and homeless people under a lot of scrutiny.
Maybe I am naive but I just don't know why people who don't need food would go there for free food. I wouldn't.
I've used food banks before in Toronto. Sadly, people have to use them or they won't have enough food and food for their children.
Also, I know some people run out of money because they spend their ODSP money on drugs and or alcohol. That was often the
case where I lived in Toronto and most rents are too damned high. Much more affordable housing is needed. Housing needs to be not only affordable but also with support services on-site or nearby.
Getting to places where they can get help is often a problem for these people too because transit and parabus costs money.
Another problem is people don't want "these people" in their neighborhood.
That's my take on it, anyway
Regards,
Sandra Mathieu
North Bay
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