Drug use and mental health are just two of the issues that Richmond residents brought up as concerns related to a temporary modular housing for the homeless that’s been proposed for a site at 7300 Elmbridge Way.
The concerns came up at a forum titled “Charity and Safety” that was held at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond on Sunday.
Coverage of modular housing on Globalnews.ca:
“I think we care more about safety and security as opposed to money,” said a man translating for speakers who addressed attendants in Chinese. “It is a more pressing matter to most residents in this neighbourhood.”
The forum was organized by the “7300 Group,” an organization that’s concerned about a three-storey, 40-unit supportive housing project that’s expected to house some of Richmond’s most vulnerable residents for up to five years.
The project is a joint effort between the City of Richmond and BC Housing, and its aim is to help residents move toward “housing independence and improved quality of life.”
READ MORE: ‘Fear-mongering’ flyers depict homeless housing project as ‘Trojan horse’ for Richmond
Reactions to the project have been mixed.
Some have supported the idea, while others have depicted it as a “Trojan horse” for the community.
That was how it was described in a flyer that’s been circulated around Richmond, raising alarm that 20 per cent of residents will have what’s known as “Level 3” service needs, such as chronic illness, mental health issues and, in certain cases, a criminal history with a high risk of re-offending.
The 7300 Group also recently held a rally at the site that drew over 100 people opposed to the project.
“This kind of person, maybe they have a drug problem, they have a mental problem,” Richmond resident Lu Cheng told Global News outside the forum on Sunday.
“When they have a drug problem, and then when they’re drunk, they walk through the daycare and they’re bumping the door, what do you think the kids will think?” asked Richmond resident Cathi Li.
Meanwhile, De Whalen, chair of the Richmond Poverty Response Committee, told Global News, “Housing is a human right. It shouldn’t matter how much money you have. We all deserve a roof over our heads.”
READ MORE: Marpole protesters block temporary homeless housing, and the city’s not having it
BC Housing has a “very extensive, comprehensive tenant selection process” that also has involvement from the RCMP, City of Richmond spokesman Ted Townsend told Global News in a previous story.
“If there are tenants that pose a potential risk to the community, they will be screened out through that process,” he said.
Opposition to the modular housing project mirrors protests against a similar initiative in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood, where demonstrators physically blocked trucks from accessing the site so they could build the units, before the B.C. Supreme Court granted an injunction.
Former homeless people in Richmond say temporary housing can help — and so can a little compassion.
“I now work two jobs, I work two part-time jobs,” Richmond resident Draigh Le Noir told Global News.
“I have my own place that I rent and pay rent on, and I think it can work for other homeless people.
“They are hurting, and it’s really hard to get up.”
- With files from Jill Bennett
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