Editor: In response to Bruce Kilby’s letter to the editor (The Times, Dec. 16), we certainly appreciate that the issues surrounding homelessness in our community, particularly where chronic addiction and significant mental health issues are concerned, are not at all easily resolved.
As the chairperson of the Gateway of Hope’s volunteer community advisory council (Community Council), I know I speak for the others on our council as well as the leadership and team of the Gateway of Hope in saying that The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope remains committed to being a part of the solution in addressing homelessness within our community.
We appreciate the acknowledgement in the letter that good is being done through the Gateway of Hope’s many programs and services. We have seen it first and and we believe our record over the past five years demonstrates that a difference has been and continues to be made in the lives of many, many people who have been caught in the vicious cycles of homelessness, addiction and poverty.
Without question we share Kilby’s concern for neighbourhood safety. Our neighbours are as important to us as those whom we serve. Thus we have always taken our responsibility of being a good neighbour seriously.
We expect those who live with us and access our services to respect our neighbours’ privacy and their property, and we believe we have demonstrated our willingness to listen and respond to the complaints and concerns brought to us by our neighbours in a sensitive and timely manner.
We know with certainty that the vast majority of those who come to our doors for help are genuinely thankful for the helping hand they receive and sincerely respectful of our community. We also know, sadly, that the same types of issues Kilby refers to are occurring in neighbourhoods all throughout the City and Township. Thank goodness that we have the Gateway of Hope ready to assist those who have lost their way.
We thank the residents and leaders of the City and Township for the wonderful support you continue to provide us as we labour in our mission to help others out of dark places of hopelessness and despair. We certainly cannot do it without your support.
Please give us a call or drop by for a tour of our place of hope. Our door is always open for further dialogue and partnerships to address the devastating effects of homelessness within our community.
Gary Milne, Chair,
Salvation Army Gateway of Hope
Community Council
