I deeply regret that the front page story in the July 21-22 Durango Herald included only some of my comments. It is true, as quoted, that I am pained by the situation faced by homeless folks who are sheltering overnight on the Elks parcel. It also is true, but was not reported, that in spite of my compassion for the situation our homeless individuals face, I continue to support the policy permitting overnight camping only.
Allowing ongoing camping would render it virtually impossible for the city to evict campers without an adequate alternative. I have repeatedly stated in public that I think the overnight-shelter-only policy is a bad outcome, but I also have stated that no individual or entity in the community has offered a better option. Neither the city nor the county have a parcel suited to such a long-term use and no one in the community has offered one. Any possible grant-funded alternative, which is under investigation, would take months to implement.
The city of Durango provides community support funding for social service agencies but has never provided direct social services. La Plata County has state-funded social service resources, but they are circumscribed by statutory limitations and may not include housing options.
Our community has exhibited a generous outpouring of support for the firefighters who protected our community from the 416 Fire, as well as for our neighbors who have been impacted by the fire.
Are we willing to offer similar support to our homeless neighbors?
Dick White, Durango City Council
Durango
