Comments by "Allison James" (@allisonjames2923) on "An inside look at Belleville's opioid state of emergency" video.

  1. It’s undoubtedly a complex issue, but it’s one that needs new solutions. Refusing to put people in housing until they’re sober just keeps them homeless & in this cycle. And you can’t force people off drugs - the stats prove they rarely stay off them. People need hope, a purpose, a future to work towards & the means to get there. And for those who cannot or will not stop drinking or drugs, we either leave them on the streets or provide some kind of sheltered living where they have to perform some kind of work on site if not off & get a portion of benefits taken for rent & care. But then we need easy access to support services so when they’re ready, they can move into sober living with support & eventually on to other kinds of housing. And drug dealers need to be shut down & addicts more opportunities for work & constructive activities they can do when they’re barely functioning. It’s all well to say make them work - but be realistic. I don’t want to be mean, but would you want to work with some people you see on the street? But they still need the option to do short tasks that build a sense of pride & achievement
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