Coming Soon To A Public Park Near You: Homeless People
October 17, 2008 by Matthew Mcgarnickle
Homeless people in Victoria, BC can now set up camp in public parks thanks to a BC Supreme Court decision this week. This decision comes after a court challenge that was sparked by a chronic absence of sufficient safe and secure beds for the homeless.
While some are concerned that this will cause tent cities to spring up all over the city; others are excited at the opportunity to reconnect with the down-and-out.
Mary Turner, a mother of four young children, was overwhelmed with joy about the announcement. “In the past I would of had to take my kids under the Johnson Street Bridge to interact with the homeless,” said Turner. “But now they can spend time with the homeless while playing on the playground. Maybe my kids will even be able to play tag with the homeless people. That would be fun!”
Entrepreneurs are already capitalizing on the announcement as one company is starting a “Homeless People Public Park Daycare Program”. Jason Henkins, the founder of the company, believes this is a great opportunity for parents to drop off their children at the local park and then homeless people will look after them while they are at work.
“The homeless people are there anyways, so why not put them to work?” said Henkins. “Maybe one day they can even earn enough money to find a real home, and then they won’t have to live in the park anymore… wait a minute… then my business plan is useless!”
When asked if she would consider sending her kids to the homeless daycare service, Turner was very interested in the idea. “If they’re living in a public park then they must be trustworthy people. So I would definitely pursue using this daycare service,” said Turner.
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