Dear Editor,
Re: Okotoks homeless couple calls for more support, Feb. 21
I have lived in Okotoks for 25 years, and I believe it is a community of generous, caring and loving people. When I read the plight of Laura Palmer and Rory Morrison, being homeless in Okotoks, I was sorry for their circumstances.
We should not have to be in this situation in Canada, but it is a reality, whether by choice or by events which lead to this way of living. I have never been homeless, which through the grace of God I am very grateful.
I have been on the poverty level raising my daughter in Calgary many years ago. I worked many different jobs from pumping gas (when that still happened) to washing toilets to restaurant work and so many other types of employment. It was minimum wage to be sure, but the point is I always worked.
My question to Morrison is: Why have you been homeless for seven years? Why have you not been able to find work in seven years? Have you accessed different avenues available to you and Palmer right in town?
MCG Careers is right downtown and is a free resource five days a week where staff members help you look for work. There is a job board there, and many different areas to help you. Have you approached the local churches for help? Have you gone to the Okotoks Food Bank?
I can name off the top of my head right now 15 places of employment right here in Okotoks. Yes, it's minimum wage, but it's a job.
Palmer, you say that when I give you $20 and walk away, that I'm doing it so I can feel good for a few minutes. I'm giving you that $20 that I worked hard for, to give to you, who doesn't work. I don't do it for an ego boost, I do it because you are in my community and you need help.
You have both been in other small towns accepting our "handouts" and yet you say we are negligible as far as community support for homeless people go. You insult my town and community by saying we don't care, and yet you want us to open buildings that are vacated so you can sleep there.
It sounds an awful lot like you are blaming us for your way of living. To say that you don't want to pick bottles during the day because people seeing you do that won't hire you, how do you know? Have you asked?
Okotoks is a great place to live, and if you meet us halfway instead of insulting and slandering us, you just might see that for yourselves. I wish you both all the best.
Brenda Merkley
Okotoks
