OPINION: Community debate will have wide spectrum of voices seeking real solutions for homelessness
A homeless couple panhandles in the median of Lomas NE in Albuquerque on July 12. Legislation was proposed for July’s special session that would have made it a crime in New Mexico for people to occupy street medians less than 36 inches wide, and highway exit and entrance ramps. State lawmakers, however, adjourned without considering any of the governor’s five public safety proposals. Braver Angels North-Central New Mexico Alliance, a citizens’ organization working to unite local residents around common causes, is hosting a community debate on homelessness on Sept. 21 at the International District Library.
Sometimes these days, when we’re not at the mall or supermarket, it’s possible to forget how much more everything costs than a few years ago.
Sometimes, for a while, we can forget that wars are still killing and maiming people all over the world.
But one of the problems that’s hardest to have out of our minds is the men and women we pass in the empty lots and on the streets all around us who have no place to go to that’s home.
What we are seeing is just one of their problems. Many don’t have enough to eat; many can’t get a job; many are addicted; many are not well. These problems are theirs, but they are all of ours too, because of their cost to the community we are all a part of.
The encampments that we can’t be blind to; the strain on public resources — health, sanitation, public safety; the effects on business and economic growth — what should we do about these things? What must we do?
I don’t know. But I suspect very strongly that together, we all of us do.
And that’s why Albuquerque residents across the spectrum of backgrounds and beliefs will be coming together for a free community debate on homelessness sponsored by Braver Angels, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the International District Library, 7601 Central Avenue NE.
This is not a debate like any other you’ve seen before. We are not coming together to win points or criticize anyone. Our goal is to speak out honestly and forthrightly, to share our knowledge and beliefs, and to learn from each other.
Braver Angels is the leading force in the burgeoning movement battling the crisis of partisan animosity that is threatening our nation. As BA’s commitment to constructive dialogue spreads across the country, people everywhere are building stronger communities and bridging the divides of political and social polarization.
Speak up and speak out together with your neighbors now. You can sign up online.
Though our government leaders may seem defeated by the problem of the homeless, we don’t have to run up the same white flag.
Join with us Sept. 21 to show the power of working together to face this very complex problem, and the truths that can come from the voices of “We the People.”
Marty Gerber, of Santa Fe, is the Blue co-chair of the Braver Angels North-Central New Mexico Alliance.
