A Montana city official has ignited a firestorm of controversy after proposing a radical solution to the region's homelessness crisis that would treat unhoused individuals as 'tourists' and provide them with one-way bus tickets out of town.
Controversial Proposal Sparks Community Backlash
City Commissioner Pete Anderson unveiled his unconventional plan during a recent council meeting, suggesting that homeless individuals should be encouraged to become 'tourists' in other communities. The proposal would involve purchasing one-way bus tickets for homeless residents to leave the area permanently.
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed outrage at the suggestion, with many calling the scheme inhumane and irresponsible. Critics argue that the plan merely shifts the problem to neighbouring communities rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness.
Official Defends Unorthodox Approach
Commissioner Anderson defended his proposal, stating that current approaches to homelessness have proven ineffective. 'We need to think outside the box when it comes to solving this persistent issue,' Anderson argued during the heated council session.
The official suggested that his plan would provide homeless individuals with an opportunity for a 'fresh start' in new locations where they might have better support networks or employment opportunities.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Local homeless advocacy organisations have condemned the proposal as a cruel approach that fails to address the complex underlying issues driving homelessness in the region. Several community members spoke out against the plan during public comment sessions, describing it as 'passing the buck' rather than genuine problem-solving.
The city commission is expected to vote on the controversial proposal in the coming weeks, though political analysts suggest it faces significant opposition from both the public and fellow commissioners.
