Dear Editor:
I am shocked and dismayed to read the March 6 story about the recovery house on Windridge (Recovery House Defended, front page article).
The Canada I grew up in, we welcomed people from all walks of life. We have welcomed the world to immigrants, allowing the newcomers to keep their language, religion, customs and traditions. Many countries don’t. Yet when a recovery home wants to come to our neighbourhood, that will take care of people with an illness, some people refuse. They say they already have a group home for physically challenged people and one is violent.
I wonder what rock you live under. An alcoholic has an illness. This happens to the best of people. This could be your husband, brother, son or uncle or your neighbour.
Violence happens everywhere. Do you think that those people that live beside neighbours for years are not stunned when they hear that the man next door has been charged for murder, rape or drug dealing?
I would welcome a recovery home in my neighbourhood.
You see, until it affects you or someone close to you, you have no idea that this is truly an addiction. These people are not bad, they need a bit of help from all of us.
If it was a home for nine women, would you be having the same reaction? If I want to buy a house on your street, do I need to meet with a committee and pass your inspection?
My neighbours are from all over the world, all walks of life, and yes, even include handicapped. I’m sure there is an alcoholic or two in the bunch as well. Maybe we should have them all deported just in case they travel your street one day. I do know this is a very limited group of people, once again, saying “not in my backyard.”
But if not yours, where? Development is very limited to space available, which is in short supply around here. I hope I speak for many on the North Shore and say yes this is welcome and needed here.
Susan Ryan
North Vancouver
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