Vineyard Commended

Sir: I am not a member of River City Vineyard nor do I attend that church, but I do know people who do. Because I care for the homeless, I attended the council meeting regarding the rezoning of the shelter. I listened to the pros and cons of the location and activities of the shelter. One woman, living not too far from the shelter, but not really in the vicinity, had gone on the internet to find out what activities were offered by the Vineyard. I admire her for doing so, but she apparently did not seek to inquire as to how these were carried out; for example, the gun range which has been there since the building of the Y.

Reverend Esser, in his rebuttal, answered her concerns. He explained that the range was used by the rifle club and not open or accessible to everyone. And he explained the protection taken. To the woman concerned about her children seeing a man urinate on the premises on the Vineyard, I would like to ask, how do you know this man was homeless man and that he is connected to the shelter? Do you think children cannot see this in any part of the city, and not necessarily by a homeless man?     As far as drunks and drug addicts being turned away from the Vineyard and landing on her doorstep, can this happen to those not even connected to the shelter? Besides, I understand if there is a problem, the police have been called. You have the hospital next door as well as doctor's offices beside and across the street. There have been patients who, with even tight security at the hospital, have been able to go out the door. I am sure many of these mental patients or drug addicts are seen by doctors in the offices across the street. It does not mean they will cause harm.  The operation of the homeless shelter on Mitton and Maria streets will not lower property values of your homes. This was stated by a real estate appraiser. One of your family or mine may, through no fault of their own, end up in a homeless shelter, perhaps in our neighbourhood.  There was much concern about the Inn of the Good Shepherd's location and no problems have evolved from that.  I commend Rev. Esser and the people of the Vineyard who have done something the city should of done years ago. Through the council and Mayor Bradley, they will seek to have a homeless shelter built. Let the Vineyard have the 26 months to prove themselves.

Merial Loosemore, Point Edward.

Sarnia Observer -- March 30, 2007

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