Chase: From enforcement to empowerment — a call for compassion in Aspen
As an unhoused resident currently living in exile due to aggressive local policing practices, I have experienced firsthand the impact of Aspen’s approach to homelessness. While Police Chief Kim Ferber celebrates her first year and the department is praised for its innovation and community engagement, there is a glaring oversight in how we address the most vulnerable among us.
The local law enforcement, under the guise of maintaining order, often uses tactics that feel more militaristic than protective. The resources poured into surveillance, patrols, and enforcement could be better used providing real solutions for homelessness — namely, housing.
It seems there’s an unofficial policy aimed at making life so unbearable for the homeless that they choose to leave Aspen. This approach is not only inhumane, but could also be seen as a form of cruel and unusual punishment inflicted upon individuals who are most in need of compassion and assistance.
Instead of spending on enforcement, those funds could transform lives if redirected toward housing initiatives. Housing is not just a basic human right; it is the foundation upon which individuals can rebuild stability in their lives. By investing in housing, we invest in the potential of every resident to contribute positively to the community.
I urge Aspen’s leaders and my fellow residents to reconsider our approach. Let’s redirect our resources from enforcement to empowerment. Let’s replace surveillance cameras with community housing projects. Let’s ensure that every member of our community has the dignity of a home.
The real measure of our town’s greatness isn’t how we celebrate achievements but how we uplift the most challenged among us. As we move forward, let’s choose a path of inclusion and support, transforming Aspen not just into a place of scenic beauty, but a beacon of genuine community care and compassion.
Randy Chase
Aspen
