Kelly Ogle’s letter to the editor “Cortez opens its arms to all drunks” is a sad statement on society (Journal, May 26) — and not necessarily about the drunks.
Everyone has the ability to work to make changes in their community.
Everyone can get involved. Everyone can have a heart or be part of a solution instead of the problem.
Everyone has the ability and opportunity to learn who these people are and why this happens.
Everyone can learn the facts before opening their mouth or computer and writing nonsense. There are resources all over Cortez that are in desperate need of caring helpful people to provide services for women and children. Renew and the Pinon Project come to mind.
These things require funds. They require volunteers and professionals. They require dedication to a cause. The homeless shelter exists because of the same, and has built itself up from nothing to a very needed and important part of the community.
The problem has existed since day one in Cortez and surrounding areas. Good-hearted people help the best way they can with the funds and help they have. If there’s a lack of any other services it is because there’s not the help, funding or dedication to warrant it other than those who are already working tirelessly to make services available.
It might also interest some to know that of those folks taking up room in your ER or park or jail, a large percentage of them is veterans and this issue is addressed at nearly every board meeting I attended by The Bridge Shelter. They are all human. Their lives matter.
So sad that someone is inconvenienced by their existence, but now the armchair quarterbacks can feel better because there’s a sarcastic letter to read in the paper.
Get involved or be quiet.
Roni Alexander
Cortez