Opinion: Wareham should do more for homeless people

Dear Editor, 

Should we be doing more to help the homeless population in Wareham? I am a social work student at Bridgewater State University. I have also lived in Wareham for most of my life. 

As a social work student, I am stunned at how many people in this small town are homeless and living in the woods or local motels. I know that we have Nights of Hospitality in the winter, but what can we offer for a year-round program, especially during these trying times? 

Now that the Senior Center is closed, many people can’t go there to relax and charge their devices like they used to be able to do. I couldn't imagine living in the woods and knowing it was my only way to live.

Recently, rent has increased drastically in Wareham, and there is not enough public housing for our growing little town. A lot of other towns that have a homeless population have made a homeless shelter for this population. 

I feel that there are so many vacant buildings in Wareham that we should consider getting a homeless shelter in town. 

Wareham has a big heart and has many resources. But a shelter in something that we lack and is needed in town. 

We could even think about converting Decas Elementary School when the new school is built. 

Thank you, 

Kathleen Gately