You may have received notice of a meeting with residents to take place on November 1, 2022 6:30 pm at 200 John Street West (Social Services Office). Please RSVP to CommunityEngagement@durham.ca if you wish to attend.
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss our concerns relating to the micro-homes.
We have all noticed a "clearing out" of the number of homeless people on the downtown streets just prior to the election, and likewise the micro-homes have been largely unoccupied since early September.
However, I do believe steps have been taken to improve aspects of the program, and I have in my possession some material pertaining to what looks to be an amended selection process, more structured program participation and reporting on prior crisis situations. It is still entirely debatable if the full extent and scope of risk to the community is being measured. And it is still debatable whether the costs involved in maintaining a transitional housing facility such as this one is money well spent when you consider that only 1 person has transitioned since its inception.
If you wish to review the material I was given in preparation for this meeting, I am happy to provide you with the information. Just reach out to me at denise_boudreau@rogers.com.
What I can say on my first pass of the documents is that 1) the program is entirely focused around protecting the occupants and with little or no regard for protecting the neighbourhood; and 2) '"public engagement" by way of online survey will be scheduled, but results are not public facing.
If the Region is genuinely trying to build "positive relationships" with neighbours, we will be able to discuss our issues with resolve and a common goal for substantial improvements to the safety of our community.
It is 12:48 pm on election day. I hope you will all be casting your votes.