Here’s my column from this morning’s Calgary Herald:
If I want to walk or bike downtown from my place, the shortest route cuts by the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre. That’s always bugged me, and a while back I said as much to a friend.
People down there are unpredictable, I told him. Social justice is important and homeless people deserve to be treated with dignity and all that — sure. But the honest truth is I don’t like walking through that area.
His response? “That’s probably good.” As in, it’s probably good that a guy who has the security of a home, bed and steady income feels discomfort when walking past someone who doesn’t. It’s not meant to be a sunshine-and-rainbows experience — and if you feel fine as you walk by, there’s probably something wrong with you.
My friend’s words recently came to mind when the provincial government revealed plans to launch an anti-panhandling campaign in the fall, encouraging people in Alberta’s cities to donate to homeless-related charities instead of giving directly to people who ask for change…