Letter: If you want to be welcome in a neighbourhood, you need to be a good neighbour

By Letter to the Editor on November 25, 2021.

Dear editor,

With the colder weather, housing situations like that reported in Wetaskiwin due to the closing of a homeless shelter, become more urgent. One reason for this closure was a financial shortfall, which badly needs to be addressed.

However, other reasons for the closure were said to be concerns by residents about crime, open alcohol and drug use near the site. Social service facilities have been relocated in other centres for similar reasons.

As Dr. Phil says: You teach others how to treat you. If you want to be welcome in a neighbourhood, you need to be a good neighbour.

Maybe only a small minority of shelter clients engage in antisocial behaviour, but the offence is there, and it is unacceptable and unfair to those nearby who are affected by it. This is unfortunate for those clients who are trying to be good citizens, but are disadvantaged by the inconsiderate actions of a few.

Charmaine Wood

Irvine

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