Dear Editor,

The recent callousness and hurtful disrespect displayed in letters in the paper towards the Salvation Army's Caring Place and the Street People in Maple Ridge make me ashamed for our city.

Not in my backyard; send them away - where is "away"? Homelessness, poverty, hunger, drug abuse, and mental and physical problems are not only problems of the individual, but problems of our society. We are responsible!

A civilized society is characterized by the way it treats its most vulnerable.

One of the most beautiful, livable cities in the world, Vienna, displays a poster all over the city, with a message that translates as follows: "The city of Vienna asks you to always keep a few coins handy for our Street Musicians and Beggars. You will help foster the social acceptance of begging and street music, and you will thus make a valuable contribution to living together in solidarity and community."

The Motto of the City of Vienna is: "Vienna belongs to everybody."

Maple Ridge belongs to everybody!

Something to think about.

Maria Raynolds, Maple Ridge