| Action on shelter called for; More than 300
people may be homeless in Lambton DAN McCAFFERY Local News - Thursday, April 19, 2007 @ 16:00 A proposed Lambton County homeless shelter has moved a step closer to reality. County council's powerful infrastructure and development committee passed a motion Wednesday calling on the county to investigate the cost, need and operation of a permanent emergency shelter for the community's homeless. And the committee made it clear it wants swift action. In fact, if the recommendation is adopted when county council meets next month, staff will only have until June 30 to produce a report. The committee took the action after being told by administration that there could be more than 300 homeless people in Sarnia-Lambton. Committee member and Sarnia Coun. Jim Foubister said, "the fact of the matter is, the need is there. I don't think we'll ever be able to nail down the exact number (of homeless individuals) but everyone around this table knows there is a group that needs a shelter. I believe we should work to that end. Where it should be built, how big it should be and how it will be staffed can be debated at county council." Bev MacDougall, a Sarnia councillor who serves on the committee, said it's important to "nail down the need" if senior government grants are to be obtained. "If we create the database, the groups interested" (in helping to establish a shelter) will have some data to back up their requests for funding. Steve Arnold, the St. Clair Township mayor who also sits on the committee, said, "I see the need because it's already been established by River City Vineyard (a private organization that runs a small shelter on Mitton Street in Sarnia)." If a shelter run by professionals is established, "I think it would shock people how many would come there," he said. Committee member and Lambton Shores Coun. Carolyn Jamieson doubts if an accurate homeless figure will ever be arrived at. "I think it's way too fluid to ever get a specific number," she said. "I think it changes daily." There was some talk of hiring consultants to draw up the report, but that idea was abandoned. Instead, staff will work with local groups, such as the Inn of the Good Shepherd, as it prepares its report. Sarnia city council is already on record as favouring a shelter. At a March meeting, council passed a motion calling on the county to work with MPP Caroline Di Cocco and MP Pat Davidson "to establish a shelter for the homeless." |
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