First step toward a hub for vulnerable in Belleville

There’s still a lot of work to do to make it a reality but Belleville city council made an important first step toward helping the homeless and other vulnerable people at its meeting Monday.

Council approved signing off on a Memorandum of Understanding with the John Howard Society to work toward the creation of a food and social services hub to be known as The Bridge in the former Banquet Hall building off Station Street.

Councillor Chris Malette said currently meals and social service agencies are spread out in too many locations to be of use to the homeless.

“This will be located under one roof with staffing and supports provided in one place for these people that we have been seeing on our streets that need the help.”

Councillor Paul Carr said people have to realize that not all, or even a majority, of the homeless population are drug addicts, criminals, or mentally ill.  “They could be your friends, they could be that single mom or someone who’s lost a job.  We need this hub.  We needed it yesterday.”

Councillor Kathryn Brown said a look at survey results from Hastings County should dispel a popular misconception circulating in the community that most of the homeless in the city are from outside the area.  “This survey clearly shows that about 80% of our homeless population is home-grown.”

Councillor Sean Kelly was passionate in stressing that a lack of housing was not the only important issue when considering the vulnerable.  “This hub had better have good social services and counselling available.  Mental health issues have to be addressed.  Most of these people are good people who just need help.”

The city has granted $1.2 million to get the project up and running.  Other partners include Bridge Street United Church, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, the Enrichment Centre for Mental health and others.  When up and running, the facility would also serve as a warming/cooling centre.

Before anything happens, the building will be inspected to ensure it meets the current building code.