Officials at the Grind Pembroke agree with members of the community that homelessness, mental health issues and drug abuse have reached a shocking and saddening crisis level, but say they are part of the solution not the cause of the problem.
The Grind hosted a press conference with members of the local media on Thursday, May 16, at the Victoria Hall site, to address recent concerns expressed in the community and highlight the work being done for the community’s less fortunate.
“As an agency dealing directly with people affected by this crisis, we are often a lightning rod for criticism in the community,” said board member Rudy Huisman. “Sadly, much of this criticism has become personal and is personally hurtful to those who have been the subject of it.”
The press briefing came in response to several recent events. Pembroke Coun. Ian Kuehl hosted an April 25 meeting during which frustrated neighbours of The Grind voiced concerns that included drug use and discarded paraphernalia, loitering, excessive noise, panhandling, verbal abuse and defecating on property. Additionally, an online petition asking the city, which leases the building to The Grind, to stop the sale of it to The Grind, has amassed more than 800 signatures.
Executive director Jerry Novack said correspondence with the city regarding purchasing the building was confidential and he wasn’t prepared to comment at this time on any potential sale.
The meeting itself on April 25 was not sanctioned by the city and Novack said he was not invited to participate or made aware of it.
“I don’t think it’s fair to make comments about the operation without the facts,” said Novack.
“We are dealing with an issue right now with fentanyl and the other side of that is we have a growing homeless population in the community and I think that’s what should be the focus and build on the good work that’s happening right here.”
There are strict guidelines, procedures and protocols regarding behaviour of clients and those who violate those are banned but The Grind can’t be responsible for actions and behaviours off the property, he said.
Novack said those experiencing criminal activity or other issues should contact police or bylaw and noted that staff at The Grind work “extensively and exhaustively” to educate clients on the importance of courtesy and respect within the agency and in the community. For example, right now, the message is to refrain from being at the area of the farmers’ market, because it is set to open, he said.
“The Grind remains committed to working with our neighbours to improve and enhance the safety and security of our neighbourhood,” said Novack.
He said they are looking to work with the community.
“Our door is open. So that’s what we’re encouraging, to have some meaningful dialogue and we’re open to talking about how we make things better here in the community and I think there’s always a way to improve,” said Novack.
He said he is encouraged by the work that the county’s new Mesa Team, along with local police, mental health and other professionals, are doing and the focus should be on building on that.
The concerns expressed by neighbours of The Grind and downtown businesses should be taken up also with city officials, he said. There is a lack of washrooms and cleaning up the downtown falls under municipal jurisdiction – the city, the health unit and the county bear some responsibility for the very layered situation.
Along with providing a venue for agencies that offer counselling and addiction treatment, The Grind provides access to washrooms, laundry facilities and food. And in addition to what the agencies do, The Grind runs a lunch program from Tuesday to Friday. St. Vincent de Paul does the same thing Saturday, Sunday, Monday, with no issue, said Novac.
The situation could, in fact, be worse without The Grind, say officials, noting the majority of the community is supportive of the work being done there.
Huisman said The Grind’s financial accountability is of the highest order and detailed audits are completed annually by Welch LLP.
“The Grinds’ operation, governance and finances are completely transparent,” he said.
The recent criticism will not affect The Grind’s vision, goals and commitment, said Huisman.
“At the Grind Pembroke, our mission is clear: to serve as agents of change by helping the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” he said.
This is done, he noted, by working in conjunction with multiple agencies in the county that share a common goal.
(Written by: Sherry Haaima)