“We have a fair amount of newcomers coming to city in hopes to take advantage of our facilities here like Grace Inn and possibly this proposed transitional housing on 45 South Front.”
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson indicated he would support the funding, “I used to sit on the Canadian Mental Health which is now the Enrichment Centre and the demand that they have for units. And we know a number of developers are trying to supply apartments for lower income people but that’s not always possible. So if we can get an agency that’s willing to come ahead and provide transitional housing I think we need to.”
“So if we can get an agency that’s willing to come ahead and provide transitional housing I think we need to, and it will also, you know Belleville made a commitment of a thousand new apartments, again, this can be part of that thousand. It’s got another six units.”
Quinte West Councillor Terry Cassidy commented, “If somebody’s from Quinte West or North Hastings or probably from Prince Edward County. Belleville being the largest urban hub in our general area has the opportunity and the support as we’ve seen have such a thing as a transition place. Not every community has that and it’s a special thing worth getting. I support it 100%. I’m so hopeful that the way that we look at people that are homeless is ….you’re homeless no matter where you live. You happen to be here and you (are in) need …we should respond rather than say let’s check credentials first.”
Grace Inn Board Chair Jody Jenkins tells Quinte News there are tentative drawings underway for the project and since it is a heritage building it will need care. It is expected to cost about $1 million to renovate.
Jenkins added, “These individuals are working but cannot get into permanent housing. We have numerous examples of individuals in shelter who have full-time jobs with nowhere to live. It’s frightening. Not something I’m comfortable with.”
The committee approved the funding and its recommendation goes to Hastings County Council later this month.
