I feel compelled to respond to Paige Harrison's letter in the May 3 edition of the Cochrane Eagle. Firstly, why has the the unfortunate woman who was begging/panhandling on the street not applied for her Old Age Pension, if she is a Canadian citizen over 65? Secondly, Cochrane Family Community Support Services does not have 600 people on the waiting list. They have generally 30 to 50 requests per month. Thirdly, Bethany Care Centre, Big Hill Lodge and Evergreen Manor are all government subsidized and residents pay according to their income level. Grande Avenue Village provides a facility for people ranging from 60 years of age on up who for various reasons can no longer live on their own, who do not require extended care and who wish to remain in Cochrane. Jo Hutchinson
