Old Stuff

From before the beginning of the New Year:
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Radio Essay #2
I read recently that the homeless shelter in downtown Boise is closing so the current site can join with our metropolis’ development trends and had an idea. I’m Ian Taylor and this is a satirical Idaho Perspective. The current site, where many lives have been rebuilt over the years, will join Front Streets new legion of office buildings and apartments while the shelter moves to a different site further into Boise’s North End. Is this a matter of saving money or something else far more sinister?
Or is it that, with all the economic upswing downtown, it gets harder to share sidewalk space with people who society has failed? What is the cost of a completely new shelter and re-development versus the cost of a suit and a dress for the people who can mill around on the sidewalk a bit at the corner of Front Street and Capitol Boulevard? The smart among us would say that new clothes do not help rebuild lives and, well, you would be right.
I am proud of the city’s commitment to this work that’s existed in the heart of downtown up to this point and I’m frankly sad to see it go. I’m deeply happy that the Shelter’s work will continue. I just wish it didn’t feel so much like we were shuffling a problem out of the sight of metaphorical friends who are coming to dinner and will be put off by a dirty house. The realistic nature of being harmed by anyone who frequents the shelter is completely unrealistic. Do we have to fear for our wallets on the behalf of men and women who can barely raise their arms? I feel like it’s not an issue. Think about it, please.