Neighbourhood Alliance Meeting
Opposes High Density Housing Projects
BY NIGEL FORD
A meeting on Oct. 21, 2010 took place at the Alliance Church, and discussed the development of high-density 'wet-housing' (as opposed to dry housing, in which tenants must remain sober) which will provide shelter for homeless people who may have drug problems. HANA (the Hospital Area Neighbourhood Alliance) led the meeting, presenting the reasons for their opposition to such a building. John Horn, a social planner for Nanaimo, was present, and the leading supporter of the building's construction.
The building, to be built on the corner of Boundary and Dufferin, will consist of 35-40 single tenant, one-bedroom units. Construction of a similar building down town is to begin in 2011; both will be financed by BC Housing.
Gary Gardener, a speaker and author of 5 books on psychology, revealed the complex itself will be appointed two live-in support workers to manage and secure all the tenants. These staff will be able to connect tenants to services and programs, but unable to provide the services themselves. The hospital region would be able to provide ample support for the mentally ill.
Those against the building's construction feel that there are too many elementary schools and senior villages nearby, which could become new targets for crime. Statistics presented revealed that less than 4% of homeless people in Nanaimo don't use some sort of drugs. While they are not opposed to helping the homeless off the street, many feel that moving so many to a single neighbourhood would inevitably lead to an increase in crime. “Where will they get their drug money, when the money our government provides runs out?” one citizen demanded. “Moving the problem... does not solve the problem,” another local reported.
The meeting itself sparked quite an outroar – on numerous occasions, the room was filled with shouts and complaints from the residents. A disgruntled citizen demanded a vote as to whether or not a woman's crying child would be allowed to remain.
A spokeswoman from the John Howard Society says that they run and operate similar dwellings around Bowen Road. “We run a similar housing project for the homeless,” she says, “and we've seen very few problems. We are respected tenants in the area.”
A member of the audience challenged John Horn, asking if he had any statistics as to the success rate of endeavours like these. John referred to statistics from Toronto, stating that “by Toronto's definition of success, over 80% of people admitted into shelters are... successful.” He also made note that, according to dozens of cities nationwide, the construction of high-density housing is recognized as the best solution.
Several attendees, who had spent time on the streets themselves, were opposed to the building. They feel that the new housing projects will be seen as a 'safe zone,' or a 'drug haven' for addicts to live out their addictions. It was suggested that some sort of rehabilitation program or drug test be a prerequisite for tenancy – and that a mandatory job search was instigated afterwards.
Through heated debate and many local residents voicing their opinion, the meeting's general consensus was that HANA is opposed to the building's construction. The meeting's resolution, which was carried, stated that HANA was opposed to a single, high-density wet house constructed in any neighbourhood in Nanaimo. They support the development of wide-spread, low-density housing in different areas across the city.
Though there was indeed a suggestion to place housing units like that in more parts of the city, there were also comments I heard such as "put it out by the airport" and "what about Lantzville?"
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works in a "damp housing" facility within a 2 minute walk of the proposed development, I would like to state that there is a huge difficulty in getting the homeless who are active drug and alcohol users OFF the street. In fact, our "low barrier" housing has 6 beds and is almost NEVER full. I do not believe that Central Nanaimo residents and property owners (which I am one) are against low income housing at all. I am against housing for active drug and alcohol users receiving brand new housing opportunities, while working poor families find themselves living in substandard housing, as well as those people who have gone through treatment and those trying to live a sober life. The City should be focusing their efforts on offering housing targeting these types of people. As well, these types of high density housing for alcohol and drug addicts (which even proponents advocate low density housing facilities for these types of clients) are NEVER intended to be located close to schools or parks to ensure the safety of children. There are several schools within a short walk, and many children do use the lanes near the Chinese graveyard to get to and from school. I would ask that Mr. Horn and the City be forced to concede that the public has been lied to about the truth about the actual use of these proposed housing sites. Why is it that most residents (as well of developers and business owners) were not even aware of this development and the City FAILED to communicate EXACTLY what their intentions were and in some cases, they just lied to those who contacted Mr. Horn directly. According to the City’s own “Response to Homelessness in Nanaimo” document, it states that 57% of the homeless population uses STIMULANTS, not alcohol, with alcohol coming in a distant 21 percent. This development is targeting ACTIVE DRUG USERS, not just the alcoholics. The City is fully endorsing drug use in a family-oriented neighborhood that already offers housing for a multitude of organizations such as John Howard, Island Crisis Care Society, etc. After receiving well over 1100 signatures by the HANA last night, it will seem that the City needs to take a step back and review how to work with the neighborhood to provide housing that will not negatively affect resident's enjoyment of their property, nor devalue their real estate value.
ReplyDeleteI have published your comment, but it would carry more weight if you did not post as anonymous.
ReplyDeleteIt would also be helpful to name the under utilized facility.
This whole approach to helping the homeless is not simply the work of the City of Nanaimo, but BC Housing and VIHA also have a huge say in how this program is being developed.