October 31, 2007

Re: Update on affordable housing and addiction services proposal at 8180 Ash Street

Dear Resident:

I am writing today to provide you with an update on Turning Point’s proposal to provide affordable housing and addictions recovery services at 8180 Ash Street.

Density reduction
Through our consultations with our Neighbourhood Liaison Committee (NLC), the community, and discussions with City staff, Turning Point has gained the understanding that the density of our proposed residences is an issue for neighbours living adjacent to the Ash Street property. Our Board of Directors has consequently decided to reduce the number of beds for our residents from 40 to 32, a 20 per cent decrease.

At Turning Point, we are committed to being a good neighbour. It is important to us that we have the support of our neighbours as we work to provide a solution to an urgent problem that affects us all. We hope to build on the success of our existing residences in Richmond and Vancouver to ensure it works for you, the Ash Street neighbourhood and the greater community.

Our proposal
Turning Point is proposing to provide a combination of affordable housing and support recovery services at the Ash Street property to assist individuals who are motivated and actively engaged in recovery from their addictions. Combining these services will help ensure our residents receive the support they need and improve health outcomes. Our proposal consists of:

          • One eight-bedroom residence with up to ten beds for men who are actively engaged in
             recovery;
          • One eight-bedroom residence with up to ten beds for women who are actively engaged in
             recovery;
          • One affordable housing residence containing the following:
                    - Ten small studio suites (on average approximate 325 to 450 square feet each) for  
                       persons engaged and advanced in their recovery who are integrating back into
                       society. Up to four suites will be devoted to serving mothers with infants.
                    - One two-bedroom suite will be devoted solely to serving a mother with a young child
                       or children.
                    - One, one -bedroom suite will be occupied by a live-in 24/7 on-site manager.

Turning Point will give priority placement to Richmond residents, specifically women with children or infants to make it easier for them to get the help they need, when they need it. Our proposal is aligned with and supports the Richmond Homelessness Needs Assessment and Strategy, the City of Richmond’s Official Community Plan and the 2007 City of Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy.

Our goal is to provide safe and supportive housing for vulnerable citizens in Richmond while breaking the cycle of addiction. We are hoping to further engage and inform the community and work to eliminate the misconception that our residents pose a threat to the safety of the Ash Street neighbourhood, when in fact they do not. Our Odlin Road residence and the experience of other similar service providers show that projects such as ours can have a positive impact on a community.

Public open houses
Turning Point will be hosting public open houses in late November as part of our ongoing public consultation process. The open houses will provide you and your family and other members of the community with an opportunity to learn more about our proposal. We hope you will attend. The open houses will be held on the following dates at Debeck Elementary School at 8600 Ash Street in Richmond:

          • November 22 – 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
          • November 26 – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
          • November 29 – 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Demolition
Finally, this past week you may have seen some activity at the Ash Street site. After a string of break-ins in September, it was determined in concert with BC Housing that it was best to demolish the old group home to ensure safety on the site and in the neighbourhood.

Contractors are currently preparing for demolition, which is expected to begin within the next two weeks. It is important to note that demolition of the current house is required whether Turning Point’s proposal is approved by the City or not.

As we have from day one, we will continue to keep you updated on the progress of our rezoning application. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or if you would like to tour our Odlin Road residence. You can also visit our website for further information at www.turningpointrecovery.com
I may be reached at 604-303-6844. Thank you for your time and consideration
 

Sincerely,

Brenda L. Plant
Executive Director