New Housing Eases Homeless Crisis
After months of delays, substantial shelving arrived last month in Sylvania as housing. Temporary homes, two families per a shelf, were set up, including newly acquired vintage plastic furniture. The lime green bathroom set and seventies style chairs fit with the shelf’s bright orange color. “It’s exciting to finally have a place to sit down and eat, a place to put the children to bed. We’re grateful to have an apartment here,” said Mrs Yolanda Bear.
Not all residents were so upbeat about the development though. “It’s a hideous dated monstracity,” complained Mrs Celeste Elephant. “Its shelves are too tall for one story, not tall enough for two. Families live cramped together with no walls. Housing like this only encourages poverty.” “This is a start,” Wintergreen Badger added, “but there’s still people homeless or living in cardboard boxes like my own family. The city needs to step up efforts. It’s unacceptable.”
“We’re making an effort to get every family a home this winter,” Mayor Oak Raccoon announced Saturday to reporters. “The Orange Apartments are a big step forward, providing six new families with homes. So is the new fire station, offering temporary shelter to the homeless. We’ve also acquired a small brown shelf which is soon to be fitted out as several more apartments. ”
Some residents were not reassured. “Why is the city spending money that could be used on actual homes on a fire station?” demanded Ms Priscilla Guinea Pig. “I want a home, not a homeless shelter. It’s far too crowded and noisy an environment for my babies.” “They have this new shelf, and what do they use it for?” complained Ms Claudia Cat. “And what do they use it for? Storing extra food and furniture? Three or four families could live there! More if they’d get their act together and put in a third shelf on it.”
Late Christmas Celebration Popular Only with Children
A delayed Christmas did not improve tempers. “So our owner just goes off for a week’s vacation, leaving us without even a Christmas tree? How’s that for justice?” complained Mr Chocolate Rabbit. “The children were horribly crushed and disappointed ” Mr Tragic Bear, father of six orphans, lamented, “Everyone is disgusted. Who is she? The Grinch?”
Despite complaints, a large crowd turned out for a delayed Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Bear. “Ho ho ho, a Merry New Year,” Santa Bear quipped, passing out toys to the children.
Expanded housing opened up a small business space for Dr Beaver to open up his dental practice, and none too soon for young Susan Squirrel who needed an emergency filling. “We’re just relieved this happened now,” said Susan’s mother. “Dr Beaver is always great with the children, of course he would have done his best at home, but a clean and sanitary office means our children can get the best care available.
Ms Cat brought home two brand new kittens this Christmas. Samson and Delilah Cat were happily settled with their accompanied bedroom set, including bed, dresser, toy chest, toys, and diapers “I’ve always wanted kittens!” an excited Ms Cat gushed. “I’m so proud.”