Will you please tell me why there aren’t more shelters being built for the homeless here in Oak Harbor? Sure, there are homeless shelters in Mount Vernon, Bellingham, Everett … the bigger cities, but why not here in Oak Harbor?

My fiance and I have been homeless since June 1, 2004, and we can’t seem to get any help anywhere on this island. All we get told is, “We can’t help you. We’re sorry!

We’re sick and tired of hearing those words from the ones who do have shelter, food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in.

Have any of you had to sleep in your car for seven months? Have you had to wonder when someone will help you? Has anyone had to wonder where their next meal will come from? We spent the entire winter freezing in our car. At times we had no money for gas just so we could start our car to keep warm.

We’ve both been super sick with the flu, pneumonia and bronchitis; yet there was no help, warmth or nothing for us. We help those who need our help, in anyway we can, but when it comes the time to return the favor, we’re turned away.

So tell me, will there ever be any homeless shelters for couples to live in when they’re down and out, as my fiance and I are? Will they be built in this small town for those in desperate need of warmth? We went to the Opportunity Council several times, but got turned away each time.

So come on people … think of those who really need your help. We even signed up for WISH (Whidbey Island Share A Home). It’s a non-profit organization for those who need a warm dry place to live in exchange for little or no rent. My fiance and I are waiting for a place to open up.

In the meantime, we’re sleeping in our car, but I have an idea. For anyone who wants to help us, our names and message number are below.

We are very faithful to church. We have two cats. We’re very outgoing and helpful. We live on less then $600 a month. Please help us! We won’t disappoint you.

Pauline O’Neill and

Rob Hoffman

Oak Harbor

(360) 240-2934