Letter: We need a boot camp for the homeless

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

We all love everyone and dogs, too. Don’t whine, don’t plead, don’t cry! This is real help.

Time to face the homeless situation head-on. These folks have problems way beyond “homelessness.” We need a barracks arrangement outside of town, enclosed and secure. Individuals can be interviewed and classified by a level of needs, assistance, etc. Cleanliness, hygiene enforcement and separation of hostility or risk to selves and others enforced.

Recognize that these folks are not part of regular society, nor are they contributing to society. They are a societal risk and danger to the well-being of a contributing society. Perhaps a “boot camp” structure is needed to instill self-esteem and reintegration minimums, but rehab is necessary before release. A special hearing “court” can spell out the program — leave our community or be confined to boot camp. Stop dancing around this issue. Deal with it now!

There are many sources of revenue from expenses now being paid — all the benevolent people who think this is unjustified (put their $ where their mouth is), Salvation Army, shelters, homeless surcharge at all the downtown establishments, parking revenues, etc., etc.

— Malcolm Miller-Jones
Asheville

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3 thoughts on “Letter: We need a boot camp for the homeless”

  2. Enlightened Enigma

    still not as cost effective as bus tickets out of town with written agreement to never return without means of living as a contributing citizen.

    1
  3. rwd

    Well maybe not a Boot Camp style, I am thinking more like a Church Camp style. Remember those summer camp days…everyone came to morning breakfast then broke up into groups and had various comparisons of Bible Studies to present everyday life. Then lunch and that lead to free time then back to supper followed by a group discussion of the daily topics or personal occurrences that day then to bed. If transient , houseless , or homeless persons want to remain in Asheville, provide a structured place to stay, offer breakfast followed by training, assistance, or education…lunch then free time i.e. work participation…NO WORK PARTICIPATION means you will be on your way.

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