Surprised to see the story done by a local TV station on the problem with our homeless population meeting at Millennium Plaza for pick up to the local churches last Friday. Our homeless were referred to as "bums". Really, in this day and age; I thought we knew better. Sometimes we are uncomfortable with or are afraid of people who aren't just like us, I just don't understand why we think anyone else should be like that.
People don't behave badly because they're homeless, they behave badly because they're drunk or high, or they're dealing with an addiction. It may happen because they're struggling with a mental illness. The behaviors talked about in this story can exist anywhere, not just those who don't have a place to call home that night.
Nevertheless, we do understand these perceptions exist with some, and no one wants our local businesses to struggle. We are working hard to find another solution; we're meeting with the city to find a solution this week. I'm grateful for the news last night that provided a much more balanced view.