Tour of Salvation Army facilities offers another glimpse into the solution to end homelessness in Ottawa
Yesterday I had a tour of the facilities operated by the Salvation Army in Ottawa. The biggest pleasant surprise for me was a visit to a transition house on Gladstone Avenue that is home to 15 souls on their way back into society. The residence is an example of what Philip Mangano spoke about as the best way to end homelessness in Ottawa. Most chronic homeless people have drug addiction and/or psychological issues that need to be addressed as well as the need to learn basic life skills in order to transition back into society. Yes, the tour was well worth it to have a chance to look into the eyes of true compassion.
The Executive Director of the Ottawa Booth Centre Perry Roe, Area Commander Major Lee Graves and Area Director for Public Relations and Development Michael Maidment were tour guides as I saw first hand the work they are doing to help those in need of emergency shelter, drug and alcohol addiction treatment and all types of support as they transition individuals off the streets. It truly is God’s work being done and it never ceases to amaze me the wonderful work being done in Ottawa by organizations like the Salvation Army. Indeed the Leadership Table on Homelessness, led by Janet Yale, will learn much from the study of Gladstone House and also Options Bytown as they put together plans to end homelessness.
The market is better now!!
Hats off to Chief Vern White and the citizens of Ottawa
On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday I walked around the market without being approached by a panhandler. Last year I would get approached by about five panhandlers every time I went for a walk. The market is better now and I think I know why.
It seems the work of the new Street Crimes Unit and the actions, or should I say enlightened inactions, of citizens is reducing the drug related panhandling in the Byward Market. Firstly, the Street Crimes Unit has been effective enough that the Shepherds of Good Hope have commented that there appears to be a shortage of crack in Ottawa right now. Secondly, the well intentioned citizens are not falling easy prey to the drug panhandlers and are willing to say no to their requests for change. The people understand that about 90% of the panhandling money is going directly to the purchase of crack cocaine. Between citizens not “feeding” the bad habits and the good work of the Ottawa Police, we have a safer, better market to visit now and we need to keep it this way.
It is also so good to see people putting money into the Kindness Meters that are located in the market. This money goes directly to the support agencies that provide real help to those in need. Well done to all of you who have made the market safer for us to enjoy. There is a lot more work to be done, but let’s also enjoy our successes. Thanks to the OPS and you, the citizens of Ottawa.
18th Annual Lebanese Festival on tonight!!
Tonight I have the opportunity to kick off the 18th Annual Lebanese Festival. This is a great event that celebrates the heritage of the 45,000 citizens of Lebanese decent in our City. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s festival go to CHEO, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, Children’s Wish and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which is great news for Ottawa!
Tonight is going to be a blast and I can hardly wait to get a taste of the wonderful Lebanese culture, friendship, entertainment and of course the wide selection of tasty Lebanese food.
For more information on the Lebanese Festival please click here.