[Regarding “Collective Reframing: How West Asheville Could Address Homelessness in the Future,” June 10, Xpress:]
The solution to the problem is not just shelters. The city must consider the people who are homeless. It has been proven that veterans and single moms with children are good candidates for placement in homeless shelters while transitioning to housing once they can find a job that, combined with benefits, will enable the rental of an apartment.
But this does not apply to those who are drug addicts. They do not want to go to shelters because the shelters have rules disallowing drug use. The solution for drug addicts is rehabilitation in a facility that will not allow them to have drugs for 30 days so they can kick the habit and then find a job that, combined with benefits, will enable rental of an apartment…