FACILITY FILLS A BIG GAP FOR THE ADDICTED

Gordon Harper knows better than most how much Victoria's new Sobering and
Assessment Centre is needed by people battling addiction.

Harper, chairman of the board for the Regional Addictions Advocacy Society
and a key figure in bringing the centre to reality, told the crowd gathered
at Thursday's official opening that he has also had serious addiction
problems in his life.

"Some years ago, I found myself driven to my knees by my own addiction," he
said. "Nothing that I tried seemed to make any difference at all. I was
paralyzed. I was mired in guilt and shame and fear. I felt helpless and
hopeless -- and useless."

He eventually sought help.

"My first encounter with treatment was quite remarkable. I was so
frightened and so ashamed that my legs would barely carry me forward. I
fully expected to be met with criticism and scorn, because that's how I
felt about myself. Instead I was made to feel welcome and was treated
without judgment."

At the $1.3-million centre, housed at the site of the former youth
detention facility on Pembroke Street, creating a welcoming environment is
a priority, said centre manager Ann Greene.

"Part of our intention is to be very welcoming to people and make them feel
as comfortable as we can."

Volunteers will be used to staff the reception area and to greet people as
they arrive, Greene said.

Marilyn Rook of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, which will oversee
the running of the centre, said the facility was designed for more than
just basic use.

"This still looks quite functional, but it's hopefully inviting enough for
people to feel safe when they do come here, and not feel as if they're
being judged."

Developed after meetings last year involving the City of Victoria, VIHA and
Victoria Police Department, the centre will operate 24 hours a day, seven
days a week and have annual operating costs of about $750,000. Certified
detox workers, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses will be
make up the staff.

"The length of stay is less than 23 hours," Greene said. "We're expecting
that people will stay on average about 12 hours -- come in, have a rest, do
some laundry if they want to, have a snack and be on their way again.

"They will be coming because they have nowhere else to go, and they're
at-risk if they're not in a safe place."

In many cases, the people would otherwise have been taken to jail because
it was the only option available. "This was built as an alternative to the
jails," Greene said.

Along with basic dormitory areas for short-term visitors, the centre has
space for detoxification treatment and is located next door to the city's
existing detoxification unit, where further options are available. The
centre also features a kennel area for visitors with pets.

"This is a place of compassion and dignity," VIHA board member Linda Petch
said at the opening. "It provides a safe shelter for people who are under
the influence of alcohol or other drugs when there is no other warm place
to sleep, and no other way out of the rain.

"It is also a bridge to put people in touch with longer-term supports and
needed services that they might not otherwise reach as quickly or as directly."

Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe pointed out that several issues can be affecting
the lives of the people who will benefit from the centre. "It is estimated
that 70 to 80 per cent of those that are homeless or those that may become
homeless suffer from both substance abuse and mental illnesses."