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Editor, News-Register:
We are getting a headcount of Wheeling's homeless population. Why that takes two months is a mystery to me. Whatever the number is be thankful. If it was up to Elliott and Ketchum we would be a sanctuary city.
I am pretty sure that the majority of the homeless are not local. They are here because of free food, health care and the freedom to set up campsites everywhere. Have you noticed the camp sites? Trash and debris radiates out for yards!
But wait! Wheeling is going to have an established campsite. Thankfully Council has taken a step! Notice that you haven't heard about that camp in a while. I believe that is because the "dozens" of homeless advocacy groups want the city to assume all costs.
Who are these advocacy groups? Never see names, just that there are dozens. Who are they? Who is behind them? Where do they get their funds? How much of those funds are to help the homeless? How much pays for overhead? There is an old adage, "To many cooks spoil the broth." If those groups would or together much more would be accomplished.
We also have the Hub downtown. Who exactly bought that building? I remember when a friend of Council was going to make around $450,000 on derelict property on 19th Street. Thankfully public outrage nixed that deal. That is why I want to know who is behind the buying the church building. The city just gave the Hub $100,000. Believe me that is just the beginning. Two city employees are on the Hub's board.
So, how to help the homeless? The experts say that the underlying problems are drugs, mental illness and jobs. In my opinion those "dozens" of advocacy groups are combined into three. One for each of the underlying problems. The city will play a part. That's why we have Melissa Adams, homeless advocate. The city will not be the funding partner!
The homeless population now would be offered help in those three problem areas. If they choose not to participate, they would not be allowed in the established camp. Again my opinion, you would see a large portion of the homeless leave town. Those remaining would be given a hand.
David McDonald
Wheeling