Sometimes I just have to shake my head at the mentality and thought processes used by some people.
There's a new housing project in the works for Yorkton. One of many underway in Saskatchewan to address a province-wide housing shortage. This particular project involves the development of 20 lots in an area that is situated fairly close to one of the newer and nicer neighborhoods in the city. While it may appear there is abundant land and opportunities to build anywhere and everywhere it isn't the case and this parcel of property happens to fit the bill.
An entry-level housing program has been planned for the area, which helps families of let's say more limited means achieve home ownership. And when I say entry-level I'm not talking shacks. We're talking about $200,000 plus homes that will be built to code brand new and landscaped. While potential owners may not have money falling out of their pockets, each will qualify for a mortgage and be responsible for their bills. We're not talking about handing over homes to poverty stricken crack addicts who will let them fall to pieces. It's a win-win for the city and an opportunity to be inclusive as well as to meet a dire need. But there are apparently those who don't think so or who would at least like developments such as this to lie in someone else's backyard. I was a little surprised to learn there are some who feel homes owned by lower income families can't mix with the higher ups. Some who believe socio-economic status trumps all. Some who even go so far as to say the children from each scale of the ladder couldn't possibly mix in local classrooms. "There's no nice way to say it," I heard, and that's true, if you ask me that's complete ridiculousness. Home values will plummet and world as they know it - for some - will come to an end if this project forges ahead. Or so some believe. Money does not make people. I did not grow up in a wealthy family, nor do I live in a fancy mansion today. I wore hand me downs. Kraft Dinner and hot dogs is still one of my favorite suppers and when I travel I go economy - ALL the way. Does that make me any less of a person? Does it mean I trash my house and have no values? Absolutely not. To generalize and to paint all of a certain segment of society with one brush is just wrong and unfair. Talk about segregating and creating a divide. And for what? Because little Johnny won't be wearing Gap clothing? Please.
I know it's really not quite as shallow as all that (or so I would hope), but that's how it comes off. Don't judge a book by it's cover, you'll miss a lot of great reads.
