News Article 2008 by Wallace Malay

No One Should Have To Sleep Outside In the Cold, Yet They Do

Again I write in disappointment and sadness, that the Extreme Weather Shelter is not opened to the citizens of our community who are homeless. What do we need to wake up, a frozen stiff body, wake up people. Shame on those who have the power to decide the fate of such poor souls. Someone’s mother, father, son, daughter, brother, or sister. A community who does not take care of those less fortunate to not progress, but deteriorate to be indifferent, callous, and less than.

I ask that each and everyone of the fine people of Nanaimo give voice to those who are the ghosts of our streets. Who have no voice, huddled, wet, freezing, they are in utter despair and hopelessness. Call Mayor John Ruttan, City planner John Horn, and Rob Anderson of the Salvation Army and ask why the shelters are not open and people are needlessly suffering. Shame on those who decide that a few dollars and a little inconvenience are more important than those less fortunate in our community. What happened to the commercial and slogan for the Salvation Army, “ Anyone,Anytime,Anywhere.” It saddens my heart that this is happening in our community. Raise your voice, advocate for those who suffer, and get as mad as hell, enough is enough.