Editor: I attended the public meeting on Oct. 30 regarding the BC Supported Housing proposal for the Quality Inn.
I think this opportunity is a very good one, given the involvement of the Intensive Case Management Team housed there as well. This is an excellent opportunity that 91原创 has been given to work at some possibilities for many of our hard-to-house neighbours.
91原创 is extremely fortunate to have BC housing and other agencies willing to fund this needed project. I am very thankful that this is being offered here.
As community members, we should be scrambling to endorse this project and to ensure that it goes ahead, as it will benefit both the community as well as the people who will be able to live there.
I have seen such ideas (and influx of support) get rejected in other cities due to ignorance about how it can benefit the community.
I was disappointed and embarrassed by the way that people portray our neighbours and friends on the street. I have volunteered with many of the folks who are houseless (and could possibly be living at this housing unit in the future) regularly for about the past five years.
Last week, I told some of them about the meeting and the fears and perceptions that were displayed.
They were offended about being portrayed as people who would harm children. This doesn鈥檛 fit with the folks I know. The people I have come to know and appreciate need some support in a housing situation and once stable in that setting, may possibly be successful in other aspects of their lives and perhaps move on to their own separate housing unit one day.
Another of the misconceptions voiced at the meeting was that it was a shelter. A shelter, such as the one at the Gateway, Salvation Army, is a place where people can go in the evening, sleep on a mat or cot, and have to be out in the morning around 7 or 8 a.m.
They also need to be there at a certain time in the evening in order to get a spot. They can鈥檛 bring their belongings in and they can鈥檛 stay there during the day. It is a temporary thing.
The supported and supervised 24/7 housing unit is different. People will have their own room and a bathroom. They can lock the door, keep their things, stay there during the day or as long as they want and have a little space of their own where they can feel safe, without having to be moved along regularly, have their stuff stolen or without having to stay awake all night in order to guard their stuff.
Once people have this bit of stability, they are then able to work on other aspects of their lives and accept the supports that might be available for them.
This supported housing is an important step in helping to break the cycle of homelessness, as it is difficult to do when living on the street.
I would encourage folks who may be afraid, to talk to and get to know some of our neighbours on the street. Look them in the eye, say hello and listen to their stories. Show respect and human compassion and they might return the favour.
Thank you Township of 91原创 and all who have been involved in bringing this much needed project to our community.
Cathy Wall,
91原创 Township
