I am writing after reading the disturbing yet enlightening article, "Temporary tent city sprouts up on former Troop 7 site."
In the magnanimous view of the powers that be in the blue state of Delaware, the best they can do for homeless people in shabby tents in the woods is to put them in nicer tents in a more public place, ironically, on a former site of the state police.
The content of the article with its quotes from the program director, Mike Agnew, shows how they really feel about these citizens.
"It's a way to give people a sense of dignity ..." he explained in Orwellian newspeak. They are "guests." And how are these guests treated? Well, they have to behave based on a contract defined as "lengthy contracts ... with a long list of rules." Like? No noise after 10 p.m. Seriously? Are these children that must be silent? No, in fact they are workers! Yes, of the 28 lucky individuals to qualify for this tremendously charitable setup, 26 of them have jobs! Oh, well, the two that don't? Well, like me, they are women in their 70s! But come on, gals, don't be slackers!
And if they are very good, Agnew says, they can then qualify for Code Purple, a lifesaving program during the coldest time of the year.
And besides a little dome tent on a 10-by-10 slab, what else might they enjoy for their contract? Port-a-potties and a hand-washing station. If they are lucky, someone might drive them somewhere to get a shower.
This is all being described as a "collaborative effort to provide workforce housing for those who have none." I emphasize workforce again because this is the best they can come up with for people who work in the county, pay taxes and contribute to the economy. Collaborative as in "churches, county and state officials, community and healthcare groups and the Delaware State Police." Not sure how the police are involved ... perhaps enforcing the contract?
I met and worked with homeless men and women on my first job in Delaware. They are individuals with differing needs, ideas, dreams and aspirations. Some are veterans, some have jobs, some have health issues. This latest solution, which even at that is only temporary til Dec. 1 when Code Purple opens up, is a travesty against our community. With the various motels along Route 1 with rooms available, we should demand that they be open to these workers who are part of our community. Workforce housing, Mr. Agnew? I would be ashamed to call your tents that. But maybe Mr. Orwell would approve.
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