Pubdate: Wed, 07 Sep 2016
Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Maple Ridge News
Contact:  http://www.mapleridgenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328
Author: Jeff Zacharias

'ZERO TOLERANCE IS KEY'

Editor, The News:

Re: A sad, sorry never-ending story (Sidewinder, Sept. 2).

I would like applaud Sandy Macdougall's article concerning the drug
issue facing Maple Ridge.

What a breath of fresh air to hear someone say that zero tolerance is
a key factor on the success stories of recovering drug addicts. This
may seem obvious, but I think it is lost on our leaders.

Why don't we take a look at what does work. The Union Gospel Mission
in downtown Vancouver provides food, shelter, clothing and many other
resources to those who need it. The big difference is there is zero
tolerance to any drugs on, in or around the property.

The grounds around the facility are spotless, as the people that use
the facility are responsible for keeping the neighbourhood clean.
Imagine that, actually working for your food. I wonder what that does
for a person's self-esteem?

It's great that Maple Ridge recognizes the drug problem, although it's
not hard to miss, and wants to do something about it. But I think the
goal is to help the people who want help, who want to get clean, and
get their life back. How does a place that permits drugs and drug use,
and now considering a safe injection site, help reach that goal? How
does a person who comes to the shelter to leave the street life of
drugs to get help, stand a chance when it's all happening inside as
well?

Zero tolerance on drugs may see like an impossible task, but it
doesn't mean we shouldn't strive towards it. Shelters need boundaries,
allowing the best resources for those people who want help, rather
than spending money on those people who just want to abuse it.

I know lives that have changed for the better from zero tolerance.
However, I am not aware of changed lives for the better where clean
needles, and a comfortable place to do drugs are offered.

To combat the ever-growing increase of drugs in Maple Ridge, why not
offer a reward system that leads to an arrest of any drug dealer,
minimize the dealers, minimize the drugs. Do a campaign of personal
testimonies, of success stories at school assemblies, particular to
the age groups that are starting, or about to start being confronted
with drugs.

We have an excellent resource right in our own backyard at Alouette
Addictions, which has years of professional experience on educating
kids and parents on everything they need to know about drugs.

Why doesn't Maple Ridge look at the success of other shelters in
Vancouver and use their business models. They've been doing it for
years, and we clearly have no idea how to handle it.

Jeff Zacharias

Maple Ridge
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MAP posted-by: Matt