HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-23 Public Comment - W. Donaghey - Unhoused Community W. Donaghey
% Mrs.Warn
4455 Annie St.
Bozeman, MT 59718
March,7, 2023
Mayor Cyndy Andrus
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Mayor Andrus,
Bozeman, Montana is facing a severe homelessness crisis that is having a significant impact on the city
and its residents and while the reasons for homelessness are quite complex,the crisis cannot be ignored.
With many current factors being quite fixable, I feel like there is much more that could be done for not
only the city and its homeless, but to Bozeman and its surrounding community as a whole.
Many factors contribute to homelessness, including poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, and a lack of
affordable housing. In Bozeman,the lack of affordable housing is a significant contributor to the
homeless crisis. With an increasing population and high cost of living, many low-income families and
individuals struggle to find a place to live. This problem is made worse by the fact that many rental
properties are converted into vacation rentals, driving up the cost of housing even further. This leaves
homeless individuals at an increased risk of physical and mental health problems, including exposure to
the elements, malnutrition, and substance abuse. Homelessness also has economic consequences,
including increased healthcare costs, increased crime rates, and decreased property values. In addition,
homeless individuals often struggle to find employment, which makes this cycle of poverty much harder
to break out of.
In conclusion, there are a few things that can be done by the local government to address the homeless
crisis in Bozeman. First,the government should increase funding for affordable housing programs and
work with private developers to build more affordable housing units. Second, the government should
provide more resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, which can help
prevent homelessness before it occurs. And lastly,job training and employment opportunities should be
provided for homeless individuals to help them become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty. By
taking action now, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous community for everyone living in this
gorgeous city of ours.
Sincerely,
W.Donaghey,Gallatin High School