Dear Editor,
(Re: “Caring Place housing backed” Letter, Nov. 11).
Thank you, De Whalen and Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition for your strong endorsement of the Richmond Caring Place proposal to build 280 affordable homes in two towers, plus a new Caring Place building, enlarged to twice the current space. You list the many urgent community needs this unique proposal meets. One additional special benefit — this proposal won’t cost the city a cent. That’s right, not a penny!
In the near future, massive home construction is expected at the Richmond Centre and Lansdowne malls. Fifteen per cent of those homes must be affordable. The Caring Place proposal would move some of those affordable homes together with its new building to its current, under-utilized location at Granville and Minoru.
I well remember the beginnings of the Caring Place concept. Our social service agencies were scattered all over, in back alleys and industrial-zoned warehouses, far from transportation. In a booming city and hot real estate market they faced constant lease hikes and evictions. Much staff time was spent away from delivering services. Under the able leadership of caring citizens such as Bob McMath, Louise Young and Muriel Demorest an idea was born — a one-stop, social services building, centrally located, serviced by public transportation, run by a community-based, non-profit society and debt-free. That became a reality, and for nearly 30 years, Richmond has been enriched by its Caring Place.
We have a treasure and must keep it alive. The society faces bulging demand and an aging building requiring big expenditures. When Richmond Caring Place opened its doors it was mortgage-free. We did it once, we can do it again. We have a proposal that is creative, bold and big. It will not cost the city a cent! Are we up to it?
Nick Loenen
RICHMOND CARING PLACE
BOARD MEMBER
