The problem of vagrancy and transients is a Colorado problem, not just Durango’s. Just about every town in the state is dealing with similar issues. It has put a ridiculous burden on the amazing humanitarian efforts of local agencies.
True homelessness is a horse of a different color! With the state’s effort to pioneer the “green rush” of legal marijuana, it has attracted a vagrant and transient population of nonresidents from anywhere outside Colorado that you can hit with a dart on a world map.
Toughen up residency requirements. Support places such as Manna and the VoA by asking what they need and would like to see because this has had to have affected them.
Locally, put down some serious vagrancy, littering and other legislation ASAP! Put a Band-Aid on the bleeding hearts.
Action is needed as this is past a problem getting nipped in the bud. Explore how other Colorado communities are dealing with this as well. It’s not legal marijuana’s fault. And the vagrant issue is a small percentage of pot users, but it has created a giant problem.
Catherine Higgins
Durango
