I am writing to suggest some practical steps that Brattleboro could take to address the current issues of panhandling and homelessness.
1. Low-income housing should be spread evenly by population county-wide. Surrounding towns - for example, Wilmington, Townshend, Putney and Dummerston- should all have adequate housing that is available to their own residents. By building a large majority of housing in Brattleboro, we act as a magnet for this very significant issue.
2. In Rutland, the single parking meter attendant is a uniformed police officer. We could replicate this approach. This would create a police presence on the streets, hopefully in an ambassadorial fashion, which could also be a very effective deterrent to street crime.
3. Based on my experience, a number of the homeless have come to Brattleboro for substance-abuse treatment, from the methadone program and the Brattleboro Retreat. I believe it is appropriate for both these programs to contribute to the town budget, perhaps on a per-patient-capita basis, to help support community-based social services for their patients.
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