An agency who was helping a person with their final steps in applying for getting help at a nearby treatment centre was kicked off the property of 310 Division Street in Cobourg.
Jordan Stevenson who is Executive Director of IHARC (Integrated Homelessness and Addictions Response Centre) was speaking with the individual outside the building which is operated/owned by Transition House/Northumberland County on the afternoon of Friday, November 29, 2024.
While going over the paperwork for the person to enter the community funded treatment program at around 3 p.m. a security guard came up and told Stevenson that he had no business on the property and had to leave.
“Management at 310 took the confusing step of interrupting a final preparation meeting that was being conducted at an outdoor picnic table on the property and asked IHARC staff to leave. Citing IHARC lacked “business on the property,” Stevenson wrote on a press release.
Despite being told to leave the property Stevenson and the person completed the application for the treatment facility.
“This caused unnecessary stress and barriers for a person preparing to enter treatment in only a few hours. Despite this, the challenges were overcome and the person successfully entered treatment.”
Executive Director of Transition House, Ike Nwibe said, “the actions taken by our security and staff during the shift in question were consistent with our established protocols to protect the privacy and confidentiality of vulnerable individuals in our facility, as well as the safety of our staff.”
Nwibe said they weren’t informed in advance that IHARC would be helping out with the intake process of an individual.
“While we value the support being offered to the individual, we were not informed in advance, which would have allowed us to make appropriate arrangements.”
Because 310 Division Street is an emergency shelter, it is “essential to maintain a safe and secure environment for them.”
“Additionally, 310 Division is a workplace for our staff, and Transition House has a responsibility to ensure they feel secure while performing their duties.”
“We welcome collaboration with recognized community partners whose approaches to social services align with our policies on privacy, confidentiality, and workplace safety. These partners will have the opportunity to visit the site on agreed-upon days and times to provide support to our shared clients.”
Stevenson said as of Friday, December 6, 2024 the person is still in the treatment centre.
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
