Trashy Crack Ghetto
It can't be (and shouldn't be) ignored that Nanaimo has a major problem with poverty and bad drugs. Much of Downtown, and for a few blocks southward, there is conspicuous poverty — a lot of people are obviously very down-and-out.
The good news for visitors is that you're unlikely to be bothered by any of these people. Most of them wish to be left alone, too. Just consider them to be a part of our genuine maritime identity. You know, smugglers and all that. Yeah, pirates, sure.
But for residents, this problem is serious. It must be addressed. Theft is common, there are needles in the grass sometimes, young girls are selling themselves for crystal meth. Everybody knows it's wrong, but too many of us think there's nothing we can do about it. That's wrong, too. Try any of the following:
- Avoid thinking that people with addictions deserve them. We all have some kind of baggage. Be happy yours is less burdensome.
- Stand up to injustices when you see them. You don't have to be heroic and confront people on the street. Just be vocal in your social circles about what you think is right. Start small, and you'll feel yourself getting stronger.
- Donate to organizations which promote healing, and which lend support to people struggling to get away from the underworld.
- Be good to children.