Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi says it’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
For over eight years, a growing encampment near the Share House in Vancouver has taken over city streets and sidewalks. Individuals have erected tents directly in public rights-of-way, while the City of Vancouver has responded not by restoring public order, but by enabling this takeover—placing outhouses and dumpsters in the street and allowing these conditions to persist without obtaining required Street Use Permits.
Link to Photos 8 years of Street Takeover: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mTaZHtwTCbzkrm8q7
The consequences have been severe. This unauthorized encampment has become a magnet for crime, open drug use, and constant calls for police, fire, and medical services. It endangers drivers, with no signage or warnings, and blocks sidewalks—making it impossible for those with disabilities to navigate the area safely. Homeowners and businesses suffer the daily impacts. This is not compassion; this is neglect.
Where policies are permissive, the problems grow — and our mayor has created exactly that kind of environment. Instead of enforcing existing laws, the city has gone so far as to set up a parallel legal system for prosecuting offenses by unhoused individuals — giving preferential treatment that encourages lawbreaking, environmental degradation, and public disorder.
This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a dereliction of duty. Our mayor refuses to acknowledge her role in fostering this crisis, but the results are plain to see: chaos, destruction, and lost livability for law-abiding residents.
It’s time to demand accountability, enforcement, and an end to policies that sacrifice neighborhoods under the guise of compassion.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
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Have said it before and will say it again: you cannot spend your way out of homelessness. The more the City provides, the more people there are who hold out their hands for all those freebies.
Cut ’em off! No funds, no freebies! This is a form of “tough love.” Sure, they’ll get cold, wet, and hungry. At which point they’ll either get cleaned up and find a job, wander off to someplace else that’s giving away freebies, or die. I’m fine with any of the three. And as an added benefit, my taxes and/or car registration should be reduced since the “homelessness industrial complex freebies” are no longer included therein.
I’m sick and tired of the homeless soiling our community… literally and figuratively. What’s more, I’m sick and tired of those in leadership positions fostering the idea that those of us who work and save and live within our budget “owe it” to those who choose to not do the same.
Mayor annie ogle is the first that needs to go, following by most of the Vancouver city clowncil.
I’m not so sure you know the definition of “Choose” or perhaps, you are oblivious to the realities that plagues our society. I agree there is a percentage who “choose” to be homeless for reasons I cannot comprehend. That percentage is very slim. The vast majority are homeless for reasons either out of their control and/or their wages are insufficient to the criminal cost of rent and standard qualifying income of three times. Here’s where the reality lies Ready… there’s many, many Full-time jobs who will never pay wages equal to three times rent. I’m doing math on the lowest end of rental costs. There’s ONE issue. Another is lack of mental health resources/competent resources. STIGMA and sh*tty families are probably the two biggest factors for someone becoming homeless. The addiction believe it or not much of the time comes after someone becomes homeless. It’s very easy to get way up on that high horse when you haven’t any idea just how hard some knocks can be. Sometimes, it’s not as simple as “choosing” to get a job. There are many factors that determine someone’s ability to work that go beyond choice. Try a different perspective next time you drive past the Sharehouse. If you look one person in the eye rather than everyone at once, and give them your oh so generous three choices that are all equivalent to you. Your mindset is a HUGE part of the problem. How’s it working so far? Try a little compassion and read up on mental illness. I promise you, I promise will gain more favorable results. Try living on minimum wage. Seriously. For one month limit yourself to minimum wage – net. Bills don’t get limited, they keep coming. Empathy and compassion are step one
yawwwnnnn…. just more of the same ol’, same ol’. Your philosophy is the old song and dance of “take from those that have, and give it to those that don’t have.” How about YOU trying to think of something other than the same crap that has been tried by the City for the past 5 years and has been proven to not work!