The Shelter House wants support from the city’s crime prevention council as it moves forward with its proposal to expand its alcohol management program into the former EMS building on Donald Street.
Members of the crime council met Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics including a report from the recently formed domestic unit of the Thunder Bay Police Service. The council also discussed the Shelter House’s proposal.
Tom Walters, vice-chair of the crime council, said their job is to look at what programs work to help prevent crime in the community. He added that the crime council follows closely the work of professor Irvin Waller who advocates for social programming instead of tough on crime political agendas.
If the Shelter House’s expansion does go forward, it would take a lot of homeless people off the street and give them access to services that will help them turn their lives around.
“In an indirect way, by helping people you actually prevent crime,” he said. “You also prevent victimization of homeless people if they have a place to stay.”
The proposal was met with some opposition when it was introduced to city council last month.
Westfort Coun. Joe Virdiramo his opposition to the expansion of the alcohol management program and said it could create a ghetto.
Virdiramo clarified that he supports the Shelter House but wants the expansion to be in a new facility.
Walters said the point of the meeting was to see how everyone felt but he added that he personally felt it was a good idea.
“It’s a decision to be made by bouncing all of the viewpoints of all of our citizens,” he said.
“That’s ultimately city council’s decision. I think the crime council will be called to see what works with crime prevention. If we come to a decision together that makes sense for that program then I think we will go ahead and support it.”
Shelter House’s executive director Patty Hajdu said they’re approaching many organizations for support besides the crime prevention council including the Thunder Bay police and the city’s drug strategy.
She said it would mean a great deal if the crime council supported the proposal.
“To have the crime council recognize that the alcohol management program contributes to community safety will be a powerful petition,” she said. “We definitely need more support. The city has the right to sell property to whoever they think best suits the property. They’re doing their due diligence. We’re making a solid business plan and that’s what we’re working on right now.”
With council adjourned for the next three weeks, Hajdu said they will be working through the summer to come up with their business plan and expect to present it in the fall.
