The recent article in the Addison Independent “Middlebury police struggle with homelessness surge” (Oct. 17) made me so grateful for the good will and open hearts of people like our chief of police, Tom Hanley, and Charter House director, Doug Sinclair. We are fortunate to have such caring people and organizations in Middlebury — and there are many, including the Middlebury Area Clergy Association and the members of religious congregations, who very much want to do what is right to support people in severe poverty and those experiencing homelessness.
Let me ask this question though: Would we be willing to make Middlebury a sanctuary town for those who are pushed to the margins? What would welcoming look like if we decided that we could offer our lovely town to even more people who feel lost and left behind? There are many out there who are wandering and looking for a place that will welcome them. Addison County is rich in community. What would it take for us to expand the circle of belonging to include more people who need a community’s caring embrace?
Joshin (Brian) Byrnes
Sensei Guiding Teacher
Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community
Cornwall