Homelessness is a very complex problem nationwide.
Not solvable by this little town. Not even on the agenda of Trump’s administration.
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The heartbreak of homelessness is that the largest growing population is seniors.
Priced out of the housing market, unable to keep a roof over their heads on meager retirement funds. Until and unless there is a true safety net for people like this, as well as the mentally ill and addicted who have nowhere to go, this will only increase.
Many homeless people are in that position due to simply not making enough money to afford a rental in this pricey town. Wages are stagnant while housing prices increase. We desperately need more housing for people in this position.
Ashland is losing many of our young families as they cannot afford to live here. Bellview Elementary School may close in the near future due to the declining number of young families. Something needs to be done before we truly become a 55-plus community.
Those of us who are compassionate people donate food, clothing and money to local non-profits, which helps, but is not the solution.
What is?
A government that cares enough to make this issue a priority.
Katharine Lang
Ashland
