A move to increase the number of beds at a Hope Awaits Ministries group home on First Avenue has cleared another hurdle.

This after a council committee gave it’s approval last week.

The rezoning request would bump up bed numbers from four to eight.

One local resident expressed concerns with loitering that’s already happening.

Nicole Millage, who works with Hope Awaits Ministries, told council one reason could be that smoking is not allowed inside, while another could be they’re individuals who can’t get into the group home because they’re full and don’t know where to go.

But, they could be their clients, too.

“We are closed during the day right now, our plan is to eventually be open 24 hours a day, but during this time we are only open evenings and overnights. We do encourage them to go to other service providers in the downtown area during the day so they aren’t just out on the streets,” she says.

With previous open house events dealing with rain or snow, Millage was open to the idea of hosting the community again to let them know what they’re all about.

Local resident Susan Hermann also presented to council, saying homelessness is a big problem with people camping out on property all over the city.

She says Hope Awaits has eight beds that are waiting to help.

“Hope Awaits has been an incredible boost to this city, because they are offering people hope beyond a bed at night, which we also desperately need. They are actually helping people get back on their feet,” she said.

A staff report says the increase in the number of beds would generate little additional traffic and there’s no evidence there would be any changes to crime levels or property values.

Full council approval of the rezoning request is still needed.

 

Filed under: City of North Bay