Pubdate: Fri, 13 May 2005
Source: Daily Herald-Tribune, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Daily Herald-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/804
Author: Kevin Crush
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

RECOVERY HOUSE PLAN RAISES NEIGHBOURHOOD IRE

A proposed group home for addicts should find somewhere else to go besides 
a South Patterson neighbourhood, says a nearby resident.

The planned addictions recovery centre along 99 Street and 73 Avenue could 
harm the neighbourhood by bringing in people who might fall off the wagon 
and find ways to support their habit, said Debbie Ozmun.

"We've lived in this neighbourhood for just about 11 years now and it's a 
neighbourhood where we know our neighbours. It's been good so far with 
thefts and stuff like that. We all kind of watch. It's not that I'm 
prejudiced against these people, I give them credit for trying to better 
themselves, but there are going to be guys who will fall, and whether it's 
falling to get their first hit or falling because it's their first payday."

Safety concerns were brought up during a neighbourhood meeting three weeks 
ago, said Jacquie Aitken, a committee member to oversee the Next Step 
residence. Proposed strict rules for the group home for four to six men 
would keep people on the straight and narrow or be kicked out.

"In terms of the rules and the regulations tied with the house we're 
proposing, we would be looking at if anyone violated drinking or drug use 
they would be immediately asked to leave, so they would no longer be 
residing within the residence."

Aitken also said the group home, which would fall under the auspices of the 
South Peace Social Planning Council, is looking at doing criminal record 
checks of all residents, barring anyone who has had convictions for violence.

Strict rules can only go so far, said Ozmun, as addictions too often lead 
people right back down the spiral.

"I know it's going to happen," she said.

"These guys have spent all of their money, they have no vehicles. They need 
to be close to where they can access help."

A suburban neighbourhood is too far from services these people need, she 
said, such as the AADAC centre or the hospital.

The Next Step residence is being proposed to go into a city-owned house in 
South Patterson, acting as supportive housing for people completing 
treatment from addiction, such as from AADAC programs.

While it's open to all addictions, Aitken said there will be a focus on 
drug and alcohol addictions. Residents would stay for three to six months 
and be required to be employed or active in finding employment. They are 
also expected to commit to ongoing support through treatment programs.

Residents will get the benefit of being part of a good community while they 
deal with their addictions, said Aitken, and she's sure they'll be able to 
fit into the area.

"We can be very good neighbours. The committee that oversees the house will 
certainly ensure the upkeep of the house."

Those assurances don't satisfy Ozmun, who can't see anyone buying her home 
should it go on the market if people know this group home is just down the 
street.

The group home is scheduled for discussion at Monday's city public works 
committee.

Ozmun also has a beef with the city over the home. She said she was told 
letters were sent to residents in the area, but she never received any 
letter, nor have some of her neighbours. Although, she said, people further 
from the group home than her did receive the notices.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom