Goldring raises awareness of shelter

October 26, 2009
OTTAWA - Edmonton East Member of Parliament Peter Goldring called today for all levels of government and the public to work together to help the House of Refuge Mission to re-open as soon as possible.

Mr. Goldring says the Mission, which was shut down for health and safety violations, provides services to those other agencies, for whatever reason, are not able to help. “Their doors are open to everyone. They serve those who are not served by other agencies for whatever reason. Their clientele varies from between 60-75% aboriginal, also including those who are suffering from major addictions of drugs and alcohol, as well as multiple mental and health issues. Some of them no doubt are the result of earlier government de-institutionalizing efforts.”

He also pointed out that the Mission has not received public funds in the past.  “That they have done this without public money is commendable – but there is a time when you have to ask for some public help to repair their core facilities.

“In order to get their building back to where it needs to be to pass health inspections more money is needed than they have been able to raise through their modest fundraising efforts.  It is time for the community, and perhaps all three levels of government, to see what they can do to help.”


The full text of Mr. Goldring’s letter to the media follows:


Dear Sir,

The House of Refuge Mission provides a crucial role to the abject homeless community in the inner city, and a way must be found to allow it to continue its good work for as long as it is needed.

They minister to the poorest of the poor, the most challenged of society. Their clientele have no other place to turn for refuge and solace, for sustenance, for comfort from the weather. Their doors are open to everyone. They serve those who are not served by other agencies for whatever reason. Their clientele varies from between 60-75% aboriginal, also including those who are suffering from major addictions of drugs and alcohol, as well as multiple mental and health issues. Some of them no doubt are the result of earlier government de-institutionalizing efforts.

The Mission was shut down last week due to health and safety violations. While staff agree with the actions of the Health Authority, they indicate there is no money for the necessary repairs.

Some wonderful people have volunteered and contributed over the years, including Thim Choy of Edmonton Cash Register Co. Ltd., who has contributed the building for a very low rental rate, barely covering his taxation cost.

This is an organization that has been helping the homeless for years, without receiving a dime of public money. They hand out soup and a sandwich daily to 150 people who otherwise are not able to access other shelters. That they have done this without public money is commendable – but there is a time when you have to ask for some public help to repair their core facilities.

In order to get their building back to where it needs to be to pass health inspections more money is needed than they have been able to raise through their modest fundraising efforts.  It is time for the community, and perhaps all three levels of government, to see what they can do to help.

I have visited and contributed modest amounts of food to House of Refuge Mission on many occasions and I know that the people who turn to them are the truly abject homeless with severe addictions and mental health
issues who have no other place to turn. Society has in a way already turned its back on these people and this is yet another blow to them.

Health and safety standards must be met – we have them for a reason.  But in affluent Alberta people shouldn’t be going hungry.

The most immediate need is for pre-packaged food, then for the funds to do the necessary repairs.

I will be raising the issue with federal Cabinet Ministers to see if there is any federal program that could provide some assistance. I would expect municipal and provincial officials to do the same.

The big hope however is that the public will show its considerable heart and help out as well.

Then we as a society must reflect and ask what more we can do to provide a permanent solution to this very real need.

Sincerely,

Peter Goldring
Member of Parliament
Edmonton East