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Contributed commentary by Lorraine Wilhite regarding homelessness in Clarksville:

I would like to address the issues and challenges of the homeless crisis in Clarksville. I work with them trying to help as many as I can, and it’s very sad because I can’t reach them all alone. I have conversations with them and know all their names.

We as a community need to be concerned about our homeless community and their needs.

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There is too much red tape right now for them to try and get help, and not enough shelter space. Why not open up some of these empty buildings rent-free to people that are willing to take that space and volunteer to make a safe space for them?

Our homeless community is filled with individuals that have hit hard times. They are proud people. They carry their whole life with them wherever they go. Many places tell them they can’t come in or ride a bus with their possessions. Would you like to leave everything you own? They tirelessly walk and carry everything they own, then to be told you can’t bring it in? Or that to get help you have to go through a battery of mental health questions? They are afraid of what will be done with them.

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They just want to live – to survive – just like we do. Everyone out there isn’t there just because. Where is our compassion? I talk with my homeless friends and I ask what happened that they are homeless: lost a job, my wife died and I can’t afford a place now, lost a job and an apartment, etc. There is not affordable housing here in Clarksville.

Just think: Every time you sit down at the table, there are at least 10 homeless people searching for something to eat or where to lay their head for a night in a safe place. How can we as a community be OK with that, close our eyes to those out there fighting to survive? What are we going to do to make a change to bring some light and hope to these precious souls?

It takes a village! None of us know when one day we can be homeless as well.

Lorraine Wilhite

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