Pubdate: Wed, 20 Oct 2004
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Shelley Durante

RECOVERING ADDICTS AREN'T THE PROBLEM; DEALERS AND USERS ARE

Re: Proposed rehab housing centre divides community residents, Oct. 19

I am appalled by the lack of compassion in this world. I live next to a
recovery house that houses 20 recovering adult male addicts. They couldn't
be better neighbours. The yard is tidy, the people are friendly, and most of
all they are off drugs.

There is a strong recovery community in New Westminster and I'm proud to be
surrounded by it. They are brave people who are overcoming or have overcome
great challenges. They are no more dangerous than you or I.

The bigger problem near my home are the dealers at the SkyTrain station and
the loud obnoxious drunk and stoned teens who wander the streets late at
night.

Those are the people who make me feel unsafe. Should we kick their middle
class families out of the neighbourhood?

Shelley Durante

New Westminster
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MAP posted-by: Josh