Considerable time has passed since Transition House changed it’s format and became a homeless shelter for the County of Northumberland….without educating the surrounding neighbourhood as to the negative impact we were about to experience.
The efforts to address and assist those in the perils of homelessness, mental health problems and addiction at this location are falling short.
The numbers of wanderers at night are increasing, crime is increasing and our properties porches and patios in this area are being used for drug use, sleeping and dumping grounds.
It is time now to think of those of us who live this situation daily and offer us some respite.
An opportunity is coming for the County to utilize a building complex nearing vacancy as the Golden Plough relocates to it’s new home.
This would afford a larger center for a shelter operation wherein a warming space, a cooling space, washrooms, kitchen area dining area, greenspace on site room for in house counselling and accommodations well beyond what can now be offered at 10 Chapel.
Imagine how much improved conditions could be with the hospital, social services, addiction counselling and access to the 401 all within a circle….a big consideration as the transportation in town is greatly lacking for those without a home phone, cell phone or computer easily available.
Time now to consolidate the monies available under one roof and spend on training staff , and improving conditions while this opportunity is here and perhaps real gains could be achieved and the troubled triangle [Transition House–Warming room at St. Peter’s—and known drug suppliers] that is our neighbourhood could return to it’s former place of peace and safety.
Deborah Cole
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
