Pubdate: Thu, 10 Feb 2011
Source: Monday Magazine (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Monday Publications
Contact: http://mondaymag.com/contact/
Website: http://www.mondaymag.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1150
Author: Janine Theobald

DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Re: "Time for YIMBY," Feb. 3-9

I look forward to the week's events and learning more about the 
people in my community. I fully believe harm reduction is key to 
building a foundation of hope for those feeling trapped in the 
confines of addiction.

It is important to acknowledge that there are issues around stigma 
and treatment of our marginalized population. It's not fair to say 
that "stigma" and NIMBYism was the reason the Cormorant Street site 
was closed. It was underfunded and there were many problems in the 
area with disorder, drug use and dealing. These things themselves are 
not so much the problem as the crime and dangerous behaviour that 
comes along with it.

Our impoverished and addicted neighbours must be treated with dignity 
and respect. We can do that by not relegating all marginalized 
citizens to one part of town and providing comprehensive services in 
different, yet accessible areas of the city.

Janine Theobald, Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom