[MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09

[Colleen M. Dowdall]

I work downtown.  I walk the length of Higgins Avenue several times a
week.  I love the walk to Worden's.  I share the sidewalk with
skateboarders, bikes, dogs (on and off leashes), sidewalk signs, jewelry
venders, sidewalk furniture, fast walkers and slow walkers.  I also
share the sidewalk with people who appear to me to be homeless.  I do
not feel as if I am walking a gauntlet.  I am not frightened.  I have
never been bothered by aggressive panhandlers.  The only time a person
who appeared homeless approached me was when I was running up Higgins to
catch a bus and I fell.  A fellow playing a guitar jumped up, came over
to me, gathered my belongings, helped me up, and sent me on my way.  He
was very kind.  Better dressed individuals glanced at me and looked
away.  

 

I recommend a book, Travels With Lizbeth: Three Years on the Road and on
the Streets by Lars Eighner.  Lizbeth is the author's dog.  I read it
several years ago and it raised my awareness about laws that do
literally outlaw homelessness.  I don't have a solution.  But if I can
tolerate the skateboarders whizzing by, I can surely share the sidewalk
with those who are without other places to sleep.  

 

Colleen M. Dowdall

WORDEN THANE P.C.

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