[prairieguy]

I have acquaintances in both social services and police. Their views are very similar on the issue of the Lighthouse. First...the issue is not the 'clients'. It goes without saying that these are people that need supports, programs and access to help steady their living situation. However...there ARE issues with The Lighthouse. The perspective of both of my friends is that the location was not likely a great choice, but was an opportunity taken rather then planned and therefore the scale of the building itself and number of clients causes issues.

There is also some agreement that the services need to be where the greatest need is and both mentioned area around Station 20 West. The concern from the social worker friend is you don't want to create a "ghetto of concentrated services" which can then just move a perceived 'problem' elsewhere. This is where they disagree....the police friend thinks "policing" and linking clients to the services and supports they need would be easier around Station 20. My social work friend supports the idea of a few satelite sites providing services.

It is complex with no simple answer. This is probably far to much of a philosophical and social commentary for a construction thread. I guess we should just stick to do we like design and aesthetic of Lighthouse (sarcasm!).

I do think it has had a very negative impact on "perception" of safety for that area of downtown. People are uncomfortable and that translates into fear.

I have no answer.