Letter: Cadre by Barry L. Plotkin – April 20, 2021

Other letter-writers have commented on the wonderful job the Clatsop County Public Health Department has done in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.

I echo that praise, not only for the professional health care workers but also for the volunteers who are supporting them. This letter is motivated by those volunteers, who give direct evidence of the level of involvement the community is willing to step up to if the purpose is worthwhile and well-coordinated.

About two years ago, a proposal was made to the mayor’s Homelessness Solutions Task Force to form a cadre of volunteers who would be present — perhaps 24/7 — in downtown Astoria, walking the streets in pairs….

Read the letter in The Astorian here.

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

~Edward Everett Hale

“To end homelessness, a community-wide coordinated approach to delivering services, housing, and programs is needed.” —National Alliance to End Homelessness

“One thing is certain: There is almost always resistance from individuals and organizations seeking to defend the status quo.” —Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives

“… middle-class values cannot be imposed on those who have had no access to middle-class comforts.” —Lloyd Pendleton