The Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s says RNC will be conducting increased patrols in and around the old Airport Comfort Inn following concerns raised by area residents.
Both MHA Joedy Wall and Ward Councillor Jill Bruce have received calls in recent weeks from residents worried about suspicious and criminal activity in and around the facility which has been transformed into transitional housing now known as Horizons 106.
Doug Pawson says he’s also heard from residents and is encouraged by recent discussions with elected officials about the concerns raised.
“We’ve been really working to address that with our staff, in terms of just making sure folks understand what it means to be a good neighbour,” he said.
RNC will carry out increased patrols in the area at night, and they’ve expanded the walking route taken by local security.
Pawson is quick to point out however that there’s no need for people in the area to be fearful.
He cautions elected officials from perpetuating the notion “that individuals experiencing homeless are all criminals.” He says “I think the danger and the unintended consequence of those assertions is that it perpetuates stigma, it perpetuates fear…and it erodes…our empathy.”
RNC Constable James Cadigan is encouraging residents, no matter where they live, to report suspicious activity to police.
He says as a result of reports received from the Airport Heights area, they have identified a couple of suspects.