'WET FACILITY' FOR HOMELESS WON'T HELP THEM

To the editor:

I have been attending meetings of the task force as set out by the
City of Kelowna in regards to a wet facility for the homeless,
alcoholics and drug addicts.

It is my understanding that there will be 30 suites built for the
homeless, alcoholics and drug addicts to live in, and there will also
be commercial space below on the ground level for rent.

Why would anyone rent space in a building that is housing the kind of
individuals that will live there?

There will be a lot of changes for the business's that are now located
near the St. Paul site. Look at what has already happened to the
business sector on Leon Avenue in close proximity to the Gospel
Mission. Vacant buildings and unhappy business owners that have to
stay and install bars on their doors and windows in an effort to stop
theft.

In summer months there are 400 plus homeless and transients in the
downtown core. How will taking 30 people off the street help?

Why must it be a wet facility? This means that the homeless and drug
addicts are allowed to use illegal drugs and alcohol in their
residence. (Editor's note: See RCMP superintendent's comments in
Housing Task Force Pushes Ahead In Selecting Site, on page A1) Is this
supposed to be helping them?

When word gets out that Kelowna is a good place to live for these
people it will attract others from major cities to come here. This
will also put an increased demand on our RCMP.

Tenants will not be evicted for using illegal substances in their
suites. Interior Health Authority states that the proposed housing
project will be a wet facility and this is not open for discussion.
Why are we trying to revitalize the downtown core and then place a
government funded wet house in the center of it?

Interior Health Authority is to provide one "commuinty living" support
worker to be on duty at all times to manage the 30 tenants. This is a
new position and my question is how can one person be responsible to
look after 30 homeless, drug-addicted or alcoholic persons?

There are a lot of senior citizens and successful businesses living in
close proximity to this site and are very concerned for their safety,
should the city proceed with this project.

Hoping someone comes to their senses and finds an alternative site
that is not a wet facility.

Del Loraas

Kelowna