Dear Editor,
Have you heard of Ripples Housing Inc? It is a private company proposing to set up a group home in Barrhead, housing six “individuals who face multiple barriers while living with mental illness” - quote from Ripples brochure.
Ripples Housing is partnered with Martyshuk Housing in Edmonton whose clients are ‘hard-to-house individuals” - quote from Martyshuk brochure. They take referrals from Boyle Street Community Services, Bissel Center and HIV Edmonton. Many of the clients suffer from various addictions.
The proposed site is near the Hillcrest Seniors Lodge. Ninety-nine per cent of the citizens in the immediate neighbourhood have signed a petition opposing the proposal. The proposed facility will have 24/7 video surveillance and daily visits by Ripples Housing staff. This proposal is causing a great deal of anxiety among the residents of the immediate neighbourhood, as well as members of the community at large. This group home will not be good for Barrhead. A public forum is scheduled for June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Barrhead Agrena multipurpose room to discuss the matter.
Concerned Citizen, Liz Baker
