The Real Crisis In Olympia is Not Homelessness

Tolerance for harm is destroying our city

by Candace Mercer, Olympia, WA

Our regional government has been treating our problems solely as a homeless issue, but it is far greater. It also involves mental illness, substance abuse and crime. Each piece of the problem needs solutions. Housing, especially affordable rent, is a large component, but addiction, an emerging street subculture and law enforcement are factors we have been reticent to address directly as we watch our city decay in real time.