Neil Nelson.

When it comes to the encampment behind the state Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) there is no shortage of opinions.  While The Leader did a great article clarifying some of the issues we are up against, I think more needs to be said.

 

When I arrived in this community, I was in serious trouble and very unhealthy. Through Drug Court , Safe Harbor , and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), I was provided the tools needed to change my life.  I did.  My gratitude to this community is beyond measure.  It is that experience that gives reason to speak out on this subject.

 

We cannot allow this to continue to get worse.  Every excuse we give ourselves to delay simply aggregates this situation and kicks the can down the road.  This does no one any favors, particularly our fellow community members who are struggling.  I understand that the idea of an encampment resolution at this time of year, with such short notice, seems abrupt.  On the surface perhaps it seems cruel.

 

I am writing this in part because I want to share why maybe, it is not.

 

My story is that I had no chance of changing my life until I found myself in jail looking squarely at the consequences of my actions, which had accumulated over many years.  I at pushed me to make significant changes , and there were the services I previously mentioned, available to help. I became very involved in a support program that encouraged service work.  In the past 12 years I have worked with 100s. of alcoholics and addicts.  From personal and observed experience, I have learned that most people do not change until faced with pain that brings the necessity.

 

We have a dangerous and unhealth situation that is growing worse by the day.  There is no doubt that it will continue to grow. Our collective liability continues to grow right along with it.  Worse yet, our fellow community members who are trapped in this situation are just that... trapped. We have been enabling this by our reluctance to make the decisions necessary to move forward.

 

These decisions require an honest assessment of where we are at.  Nothing can be accomplished without that.  We have fellow citizens out there who have been priced out of this economy.  Many suffer with various addiction issues that simply crowd out housing and other necessities because it is the nature of the disease.  The constant here is that this group of people can find a healthier fulfilling life, if given the opportunity and help they need. This of course includes being housed in more suitable conditions than a tent below the power lines.

 

I often lay awake at night and wonder what that help could look like.   Here are some thoughts.

 

•  We must work together and stay resolved.  The city, the county, our private partners, and health providers are at the table now.  If we stay there, we will find the resolve and momentum we need.  The more any one entity steps up to the plate, the more likely others will follow.  If each of us can do a small part, we can solve big problems. I know that there are many opportunities for volunteer work in this area.  I would encourage anyone who thinks they can help.. please reach out. This community is amazing with the community minded volunteer work and this certainly is an area where help is needed .
• Funding must be found.  I for one am in favor of using the opioid settlement money entirely toward this issue.  I believe it to be equitable to all and suitable for the intended use of those funds. I think that it could be the backbone of moving forward.
• A more permanent low barrier site needs to be found.  Some of these community members do not want housing if it comes with any conditions and obviously housing opportunities will have some conditions.  Sani cans, water, trash, are expenses that will be involved. Accessibility for emergency services.  Even low barrier locations need some management. On site volunteers that come from within that specific community.

 

We also need to be willing to make some tough calls.  The truth is that much of what we are up against here is driven by addiction.  We simply must face that fact head on

 

I did not change until the opportunity was a forced upon me. I now look back on the pain of that change as a pivotal point in my life.   I dare say that some of my fellow community members , sitting in those tents, will look back on this impending change as a blessing. 

 

While compassion should always guide our housing policies, we also need standards that protect those who are working toward recovery. Low barrier programs can remain welcoming while still requiring participants to demonstrate progress toward sobriety and stability. The goal isn't to exclude anyone, but to set up a structure that encourages accountability and progress.   Those demonstrating commitment to recovery often gain access to more comprehensive resources and housing options... a fair return on their effort and a path to lasting stability.  

 

The solution will have uncomfortable components. Not working toward a solution will be far worse.