[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
DESC in Burien is a drug den. Essentially, it is just a better tent. Could it be something better? It should be for the money taxpayers pay for it.
What is the return on investment for Burien taxpayers in terms of “resident” outcomes? Is it just a better tent? Treatment for substance abuse? Becoming a contributing member of society? If just a better tent, then there are other locations that would cost taxpayers far less than the cost in downtown Burien.
SMART goals or goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bounded are essential in serious planning along with these goals being rationalized and implications documented.
A few goals are reasonable; many goals are not. A short list could include treatment, wellness, education, employment, among others or be combined into one overarching goal. The key thing is to create a positive outcome for both “resident” and community.
For example:
- Goal: Each “resident” is provided with a room, treatment, wellness checkups, education, and counseling upon entry and employment within one year.
- Rationale (s): If a “resident” cannot be habituated within a reasonable period of time and taxpayer expense, then a different approach (location, treatment, …) is required.
- Implication (s)
- “Residents” are to be treated for health-related issues, to stay off drugs, to learn employable skills, and become ready to be a contributing member of society.
- Staff are required to maintain a secure and drug free building, provide treatment, education, and employable skills.
Money, time, effort and other resources are limited and with federal funding cuts, are likely to be more limited in the future and not just for the homeless, the addicted, the mentally challenged and others. Other groups that want to improve could use additional investments and help such as food bank recipients, students and teachers, unemployed workers, marginal workers, small businesses …. There is an incredible demand for help and while certainly the homeless are one group, they are not the only group that is struggling. Groups that want to help themselves, are willing to help themselves, and can do something with help are important criteria.
Given ongoing and increasing demand for resources, if DESC cannot transition their “residents” into becoming contributing members of society, then why are we funding them? If “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results” DESC is winning.
– David Gould
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100%, Yeah the main problem is, we have no control of DESC and now we get to preach to King County.. which doesn’t listen. Many Burien residents want the policy’s changed for this place but how? ( the common sense approaches arn’t too hard to come up with.. but getting King County to change is another story.)
This is a very thoughtful letter with common sense solutions. Compared to the letter signed by a number of well meaning, but uninformed residents it is meant to help people not to coddle them. It would be nice to offer people a future that does not include addiction and living off the government for a lifetime.
Good to see common sense, like minded people speaking… actually being able to implement great change(s) is another mountain itself.