Issues & Answers – Addressing Homelessness
The March 6, 2024 edition of the Perry County Tribune offered Perry County candidates for public office an opportunity to answer six questions. Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 150 words. I complied with those restrictions to the letter. However, with my website, I have the opportunity to provide you with more in-depth responses if you wish to read them. Here is my full answer to question five…
Should county government be doing more to address the issue of homelessness in Perry County?
If someone would come and offer a proposal that is plausible for the Commissioners to “address the issue of homelessness”, I am eager to listen and “do more”. I think it is unfair to say: “Mr. Commissioner, there is a homelessness issue in Perry County, what are you going to do to fix it?” First, we must define what causes homelessness.
Is the “issue of homelessness” caused by drug addiction or mental health problems? I think we have multiple opportunities in New Lexington for people to get help with drug addiction and mental health recovery.
Is the “issue of homelessness” caused by the lack of jobs? It seems like there are help wanted signs everywhere throughout the County and the State. Our Perry County JFS offers countless opportunities for education and training for re-entry into the work force, as well as transit to get to and from a job.
Is the “issue of homelessness” caused by a lack a affordable housing? This probably is a large contributor to the problem. And that problem is certainly Statewide and not unique to Perry County. But the County is not in the housing business, Commissioners cannot build or operate housing units. Commissioners do not have the authority to tell a landlord to lower the rental rates or tell a home-seller to lower the sale price, nor would I want to. That would be an infringement on their rights as a property owner. We have provided money to Habitat for Humanity for construction of several affordable houses in Perry County. We are part of the Land Reutilization work of the PC Land Bank, tearing down condemned houses for new build opportunities on those reclaimed sites. These are small things. The General Fund does not have the depth to get into the housing business.
Is the “issue of homelessness” caused by people that don’t really want to work and are having a hard time finding a dwelling they can afford while living off “the system”? I don’t know, I’m asking that question.
Is the “issue of homelessness” caused by the lack of charitable donations to our fellow mankind? I don’t know what other people do. As Christians and citizens of mankind Katrina and I regularly donate to Catholic, charities and missions through our church. As well as other nonprofit organizations that we trust.
If the question implies the topic of a homeless “shelter” in Perry County? I am more than happy to be front and center at the next meeting on that topic. However, the topics regarding a shelter in Perry County are countless and will require a lot of work to resolve. I have definite opinions and would be happy to share them with the Perry County Housing Coalition if they are interested in a productive dialogue. However, with all the good intentions, a homeless shelter will not “address the issue of homelessness” A shelter is temporary assistance after someone has suffered the effects of the issues that caused that homelessness.
“The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty” – Mother Teresa
