Corner Brook -
The Community Education Network is taking the necessary first step in tackling homelessness. A group of people representing a cross-section of the community in the Stephenville area got together earlier this week to discuss the possibility of providing housing for the homeless.
At first glance, as was pointed out at the meeting, people wouldn't think there is a homeless person in Stephenville or even in the larger Bay St. George area.
That doesn't mean they don't exist. A homeless person doesn't have to be someone living outdoors. Some homeless people don't have a home to go to and rely on others to keep a roof over their head. Sadly, when a person doesn't have a place to call home, his or her dignity suffers. The organizing group will now identify how much need there is, and if properties become available, work with the Homelessness Partnership Strategy to prepare an existing structure or build new ones to accommodate those in need.
There are also options to have emergency space made available.
A similar program is working well in St. John's where a number of buildings provide housing to those who require help finding it. The need is not limited to the capital city.
A number of other towns have already availed of help to provide housing through partnerships with the Homelessness Partnership Strategy. The Community Education Network is to be commended for first recognizing this need in the community and for organizing a meeting.
Success would come in forging a strong partnership locally so that in the event of something becoming available in the town or area, that group would be ready to move.
Helping those in need - especially those without a home - is one of the greatest gifts any person or organization can provide.
