The leader of the NDP is calling on government to create a community centre for Livingstone Street in St. John’s.

St. John’s Centre MHA, Jim Dinn, says the neighbourhood has residents who are struggling without connection to support services and a community centre would go a long way.

He says there needs to be a dedicated centre that meets the needs of the neighbourhood rather than being a satellite centre dependent on another community’s resources to deliver services.

Dinn says people in the area do not get enough recognition for the social services they are providing, but it shouldn’t fall to them. He says when he hears stories of neighbours helping sex workers who have been abused or making sure tenants know their rights, he asks what would be happening if they weren’t there.

He’s calling for a coordinated effort by government to support the neighbourhood by providing a well-resourced hub for the community.