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I was incredibly dismayed to read the recent BDN headline, “Bangor’s homelessness crisis is taking a toll on city’s residents.” I work professionally with the homeless population in the midcoast where I support and hold space for homeless clients on a daily basis. I think the fact that Bangor “business owners and employees say people experiencing homelessness make customers feel uncomfortable,” is disgusting.
The BDN gave a general manager at a local business a chance to spread misinformation that homeless people pose a concern for the public’s safety — this is a dangerous spin on the very real, human struggle that homelessness is. It can’t be understated that not all homeless people are dangerous. According to the story, another resident said that being confronted by people suffering every day is “exhausting.” What has our world come to? Have we lost all compassion for those who are struggling to secure and maintain their most basic human needs?
I challenge every reader to deeply consider what they can possibly do in their own communities to support — rather than judge — their neighbors.
Shannon Shimer
Belfast
