Head: Cleaning up the Haven
Summary: Haven in the Hollow officially adopts the black
Carol Aun
Mission Record
Residents and staff at Haven in the Hollow will be rolling up their sleeves to help keep the neighbourhood clean in an effort to show Mission council they want to improve the community.
Last week the group signed up with Mission Adopt A Block to look after the block between Lougheed Highway and Logan Avenue (between Park and Haig Streets) and keep it free from litter.
Mission Mayor Ted Adlem joined Mission Community Services Society executive director Sanjay Gulati in the inaugural block clean up Wednesday afternoon.
MCSS, which operates Mission's first stage housing facility, was forced to address the negative perception of Haven in the Hollow in the community after Mission council removed the Logan Avenue building from its list of properties receiving tax exemptions next year.
"We want to be part of the solution," said Gulati. "This is one initiative."
Other improvements include installing signs around the building indicating it's a zero tolerance facility for drugs and alcohol, and Gulati says he is also looking into putting up a wood fence on the south side of the building to shield clients from Lougheed Highway when they want to step outside for some air.
MCSS is also planning to bring businesses and organizations around the block together regularly to discuss issues and concerns.
Adlem notes Haven in the Hollow is a necessity in the community, and the work being done will help turn the negative perception around.
"There are homeless people in the community and we need a facility like this," said Adlem, who tipped his hat to MCSS executive director for addressing the issue quickly.