As I See It
Elderly vs homeless at senior center?
Is the city of La Crosse prioritizing the homeless over the elderly? Some are making that argument as City Hall is in the midst of a fight with patrons of a longtime senior center. La Crosse claims the Harry J Olson Senior Center on the city’s northside is operating without a lease with the city which is threatening to evict them. Mayor Mitch Reynolds has said the building could be used to house the homeless if other shelters get too full. That has led some to suggest that the city has an agenda. In an effort to solve the homelessness problem it is willing to turn its back on the city’s elderly, who use that building every day for socialization, activities and exercise. That may not be true, but this is not a good look for the city. The people who use this facility have few other places to go. The building itself is falling apart, but the senior center’s board of directors has been trying to buy the building from the city. That hasn’t gone well, but now the group plans to try again, having raised enough money to make improvements like a new roof. The two sides should figure out a way to make this work. Perhaps, in the spirit of Christmas, the city should sell the building for a dollar. Then it no longer owns a dilapidated building and these seniors can have some comfort and peace of mind this holiday season.
gregoryharvieux
December 13, 2022 at 8:48 am
As I see it,both parties need,however under the circumstances and importance, Homeless Shelter is should be 1st priority!
Housing is a big problem here !
That’s WHY many are homeless. shortage of affordable housing !
Watch the news and read the papers.
I’m a Senior but there’s other Senior Centers I can use if wanted.Also,the Center stalled the deal for a buck !
I’ll take the place for a buck and put it to good use. Affordable Housing for Seniors so we don’t become homeless !
Erin Goggin
December 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Gregory Harvieux
The enter did not stall the deal for the $1.00 asking price. The Mayor has misrepresented the truth about HJO and it is not fair to the Seniors.
You can call Harry J Olson Senior Center at 608-781-2122 if you would like to
608-781-2122
Kent Porter
December 13, 2022 at 9:07 am
AS I SEE IT !!!!!! Maybe the Mayor and Scotty Shaw should go tour the Olson center , It is in amazing shape as the retired folks that use it have kept it up all these years , They paid city taxes and still do , why wont the Mayor admit that the homeless have some big problems including alcohol and drug abuse , That is why most shelters wont take them in , Leave the old folks alone and clean up the homeless !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Erin Goggin
December 13, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Thank you Kent!
Our fight is not with the homeless. The building is not set up to shelter the homeless.
Kent Porter
December 15, 2022 at 12:12 pm
I toured Houska Park last Monday , I can’t believe that the City Conucel and Mayor would let people live like that , There is 60 human beings living at Houska Park in squaler , it is a filthy homeless encampment with battered tents , garbage all ouver , filthy portta potties , motor homes that have the windows smashed out , one even had an extenstion cord hooked up to it , dogs freezing in the snow , Empty booze bottles and beer cans everywhere , dirty needles , human fecus on the ground , Mayor Please get these folks some help whether they want it or not , Just like the 46 year old lady found dead in Houska park ( by the way here name was EVE and she had tried to work with La Crosse County to get help , but they turned their backs on her also , You will have more EVE’S at Houska Park if yyou don’t act soon , HAVE THE HOSPITALS HELP THESE ADDICTS . Or the city can write me in for Mayor and I will take care of these folks , Write in Kent Porter (Mayor of the Northside )