Local resident Bill Reckman calls on Sarnia officials to stop obstructing the Indwell affordable housing project and embrace restorative solutions for homelessness. The letter suggests that if committee members cannot support such initiatives, they should make room for leadership that will.
Dear Sirs
It is with great alarm what I read about the obstacles placed by the Committee of Adjustments / Community Development & Services to stop INDWELL from establishing in Sarnia.
There isn't a city in North America where some of its residents do not experience homelessness. It's a sad reflection of how our civilization evolves, yet here we are: facing this very ugly truth. Sarnia is no exception to dealing with homelessness. We all remember the debacle of Rainbow Park and similar situations.
There are several non-profit organizations who are reaching out to help the less fortunate, among which (to name a few): the Inn of the Good Shepherd, River City Vineyard, the Salvation Army, Temple Baptist Church's clothing drive, and undoubtedly a few more organizations. INDWELL, another not- for-profit Province-wide organization, seeks to help Sarnia by building and opening an affordable housing complex.
This endeavour is supported by the County of Lambton, which donated at no cost, the property on which this complex is to be build. Yet, here we have Sarnia's Committee of Adjustments / Community Development & Services, who consistently think of new ways to thwart this laudable project. I understand that the members of these committees are caving in under the pressures of (not in my backyard) NIMB people. Well, I have news for you: The homelessness problem is NOT going away and this lame attitude of NIMB is so flawed, it is laughable.
All the excuses brought forth by NIMB do not stop the problems with people looking for shelter, food and other life necessities. In fact, as has been proven in other cities in Ontario where INDWELL was warmly welcomed, unruly behaviour, crime and “unsightliness” has drastically decreased, as these “unwanted” people have found a place to call home, a place of security, a place of acceptance, a place of belonging.
It is time for the members of the Committee of Adjustments / Community Development & Services to stop finding new reasons and obstacles to prevent INDWELL (and like organizations) and follow their mandate: to improve quality of life in Sarnia for ALL.
If those members of said committee can not find it in their hearts to make the right decisions and support organizations like INDWELL, then it is time for these members to resign from their position and allow persons who represent the proper values which the majority of people in Sarnia embrace to fill their place.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Reckman, Sarnia.
P.S.: 1) If Sarnians are rightfully concerned about the homelessness issues in Sarnia, why not impose a 10% property tax levy to help organizations like the Inn, Salvation Army, River City Vineyard? That would be a huge step in the right direction. What about it, City Hall?
P.S.: 2) I've been upset about people posting signs in their yards to discourage INDWELL. Is there someone in Sarnia who could make signs reading:
WELCOME TO SARNIA INDWELL
We could NEVER do enough!
