RECOVERY HOMES CORNERSTONE A HAVEN FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

Editor;

I agree with the chair of the B.C. Association of Drug and Alcohol
Recovery Houses, the city is opening a huge can of worms.

I had chance to visit several recovery homes at Cornerstone Manor
because my son has had an off-and-on drug problem. There were some
pretty tough people running the program, people who had personal
experience, and therefore zero tolerance for drug use.

As for nutrition, there was an abundance of food. The clients pitched
in and handled chores of the house, were made to attend meetings and
thereby given responsibilities and not allowed to idle.

As the client became stronger and more trustworthy, he/she was able to
mentor newer clients and was allowed more freedom.

There seemed to be clients of all ages from all walks of life and they
seemed to mix well.

Of course nothing is perfect and there are always relapses, but the
program was such if a person was truly trying, they were given another
chance.

The road to recovery is long and difficult, and not everyone can be
successful. However, when you take people off the street and give them
a roof, meals, and most important a support system, it is the best you
can do.

The owners of Cornerstone Manor provide a haven for those in need and
do it for the minimal monthly welfare amount received by a person.
Where else could a person find shelter, food and support for that
amount? What is the alternative?

Who could possibly profit from putting these homes under provincial
government supervision and legislation?

D. Barros

White Rock