Protestors Attend Homeless Shelter Meeting
Thursday, June 30, 2005 02:05 PM
About 40 protestors showed up at Thursday's public meeting for those appliying to be service providers at the homeless shelter slated for the Backpacker Motel on Queensway.
In her opening remarks, B.C. Housing Regional Manager Anne Howard told all in attendance they would go through the planned meeting then answer any questions protestors may have.
The Backpacker is slated to become a shelter for those with alcohol and drug problems or mental illness. The neighbourhood has been vocally opposing the shelter, saying it makes their neighbourhood the dumping ground for all of Prince George's problems, namely prostitution, drugs, and crime.
Those applying to be the service providers have been invited by B.C. Housing to offer a different site for development, with the understanding that provider would then "take the lead" on development of that site.
The meeting today was to outline some timelines, and clarify what B.C. Housing is looking for in an application. The plan for the shelter is to provide 30 self contained units with on site services for drug and alcohol issues, job training and social couselling.
Applications for potential service providers have to be submitted by September 29th. A decision on who get's the job will be made no later than December.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: Chadermando on July 1 2005 1:35 AM
Why inflict on these neighborhoods the problems of society they hold no responsibility for??? I have seen the druggies on Queensway and wondered if they even knew where they were heading, and why??? I have seen those poor young girls shivering in scant dress trying to look attractive so a potential male may pick them up. I have seen the stumbling drunks probably searching for a garbage bin to sleep in. I have seen the pan handlers and parted with many loonies. (The smart ones hung around the Kresge's building). Next we will have the cast offs created by the casino and the gamblers becoming addicted, losing everything. I know we need the soup kitchens to feed the homeless. I know they need a warm place to sleep during our cold winter months. I know they need clean needles and condoms, but they chose to be druggies and prostitutes. I know the service providers have little hope of rehabilitating these unfortunates, but they want to make a good living and can probably do so by proclaiming themselves as counsellors, and what type of employment will these unfortunates be trained for? Do they even want to be trained??? Millions of dollars will be spent, with taxpayers money. Many residents have problems meeting their own obligations, but pay taxes to keep people who chose a degrading life to live. Neighborhoods will feel endangered with the residents living behind locked doors and afraid for their kids to go on the streets. How can the bureaucracy proceed with this development knowing the harm they are imposing on good decent law abiding citizens??? I do not think it should even be an issue any longer. If B C Housing has "millions" to spend on 30 units, then move that motel to the "city yards" and set up there. Leave those residents in the Millar addition and Connaught to live in quiet peace and enjoyment. They are at least entitled to that.
The more we provide in this city-the more outsiders we will attract. We may sometimes be the creators of our major problems with the unfortunates in society.
Anne Howard wants someone to "take the lead." Sounds like a "cop out." I don't think she likes taking the heat-but who would??? Lots of empty building downtown. Just do some renovations. Millions of dollars can do a lot-for sure. That will be the start of housing in our downtown which the Mayor highly recommends!!!!! The soup kitchens, Thrift shops and pawn shops are already there, and even a couple drinking establishments. Just have to finish it off now. Go for it.