Mixed reaction for proposed homeless shelter in Maple Ridge

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MAPLE RIDGE (NEWS 1130) – A community forum was held in Maple Ridge last night to give people the chance to voice their opinions on a proposed $15 million shelter, but the public has mixed reactions on the project.

The facility may be a low barrier shelter, which means people don’t have to be sober or on a mental health treatment plan to stay there.

“We’ve looked at some of the numbers from Coquitlam and just across the river and their communities around the low barrier are not positive, they’re very upset. It’s reduced the values [and] it has increased crime,” says one man.

“I believe in low barrier because people need a safe place to live in order to deal with their addictions,” adds a woman.

“I’ve been clean for 19 years and I would’ve absolutely never gotten clean if there was a low barrier shelter, I would’ve absolutely never changed my life if I was given handout after handout,” explains another woman.

A site has yet to be chosen for the shelter.

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