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Letter: Shocked at ‘egging’ of vulnerable people downtown

Reader say they had feelings of ‘shock and disgust’ after reading a report by Sudbury.com that some people are driving through downtown Sudbury at night and throwing eggs at people who are homeless or vulnerable
Letter to the Editor
typewriter pexels-caryn-938165 (From Pexels by Caryn)
From Pexels by Caryn

I firstly would like to congratulate and thank Sudbury.com for their reporting and investigative journalism initiatives.  

Your reporters and reporting make  Sudbury.com a valuable read for citizens who wish to be informed intelligently concerning  this municipality’s workings and events.

The story reported by Jenny Lamothe (“Vulnerable populations are being ‘egged’ at night” published March 15), regarding egg throwing at homeless citizens of Sudbury left me with feelings of shock and disgust.  

Why would anyone be so cruel and inhumane to hurt others in such an outright ambush on the streets of this city?

We, as human beings, are all one decision, one life occurrence removed from being in the same or similar circumstances as those unfortunates. One decision or life-changing event could result in you and I sleeping rough. Many of these vulnerable people may have underlying mental illness or mental disabilities. Would you harm, throw rocks at your brother or sister who was clearly “disabled”?

Mayor Paul Lefebvre, I heard you speak a few years ago (when you were the Sudbury member of the Canadian Parliament) on what you perceived to be of concern in Sudbury – the burgeoning problem of homelessness and lack of affordable housing. Your words gave me a glimmer of hope for the future of a welcoming, open, inclusive, affordable city.  

Where have your actions and political pull changed any outcome in the fight against homelessness and lack of affordable housing in the City of Greater Sudbury? Addiction and mental health are part of the fabric of our society. Measures and assistance should then be part of any well planned social program delivery.

I note that the City of Peterborough has initiated a program that includes housing units for homeless persons and persons with disabilities, such as addiction. Prebuilt units in a designated communal area with access to laundry and showers with security are being provided within Peterborough. 

This initiative is now being provided at a manageable cost, which is sustainable to the city. This housing initiative provides a refuge to assist in moving their vulnerable citizens off the downtown streets. Might be a small step in the right direction? From my perspective social programs for marginalized Sudbury citizens are disappearing from the city’s vision.

Mayor Lefebvre you might do well to take a walk downtown on a morning coffee break and engage with a few of your more vulnerable citizens? These human beings are citizens of Sudbury also. Maybe take a few walks around the streets? You never know enlightenment may occur between Cedar, Larch and Medina walkways in Sudbury?

Ranna Sopha
Greater Sudbury