BNRC pulls plug on second proposed drop-in centre site

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This article was published 15/12/2023 (1021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation has withdrawn plans to use the church facility at 302 Eighth St. for its overnight drop-in centre mere days before its launch that was scheduled for Dec. 20.

The withdrawal follows protracted discussions with the property owner, Pastor Onyebuchi Onuke.

In a letter of withdrawal sent to Onuke, BNRC executive director Rushana Newman stated that “at this time, based on deviations from the previous conversations regarding the use of the space we will not be moving forward with your location (302 Eighth St.) for the overnight drop-in initiative.”

The decision was made a week after the BNRC got approval from the City of Brandon Planning Commission to use the property. Instead, the BNRC has set its sights on setting up the 24-7 drop-in centre at another church facility, located at 1037 Lorne Ave. — the site of the former First Baptist Church.

Onuke told the Sun that the BNRC’s decision is due to its inability to meet the terms he laid out as part of the agreement. These terms included a requirement that the BNRC comply with an initial rent payment, provide a damage deposit, and insurance spanning from Dec. 20, 2023, to March 31, 2024, adding that these measures aim to ensure financial transparency, considering the project’s short-term nature.

He also insisted that his group should oversee the operation and provide BNRC with daily activity reports.

“We kindly sought access to the Homeless Information and Family System Database, crucial for effective community service,” he said. “Concerning elder participation, we prioritize respect for our core beliefs. Smudging isn’t permitted in the church premises, yet we encourage cultural activities such as art within the community center.”

Despite the BNRC’s decision, Onuke said his organization’s commitment would still provide a safe and friendly place for the homeless and vulnerable community in Brandon.

“We will provide a friendly place where we offer guidance and education on how to overcome drug addiction, prostitution and rejection,” he told the Sun. “To achieve this, we are opening our doors to help them.”

He called for support to fund this project, reaching out to churches, businesses, benevolent groups and individuals for donation. He also detailed plans for staffing and security, adding the provision of hot beverages, snacks and educational movies during the winter nights. Additionally, he noted the potential extension of services into the daytime if demand exceeds other shelters’ capacities.

The BNRC redirected its focus to the alternative worship space on Lorne Avenue that is now owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God Restoration Parish.

The pastor-in-charge, Festus Eretan, told the Sun that the BNRC held discussions with the church regarding its potential usage in October. The discussion, which was suspended a few weeks ago when it settled for 302 Eighth St., was revisited this week.

“Rushana Newman sent a text message to me yesterday that BNRC is still interested in using parts of our property for the overnight drop-in centre,” Eretan said. “Officials of the Fire Department were at our facility for necessary inspection on Thursday.”

The conditions set forth, he said, include stipulations about security measures, property maintenance, restrictions on smoking and drugs within the premises, and the provision of easily sanitized furniture to adhere to health and safety standards.

“Another condition was that we want oversight — one of our staff is going to be part of their workforce,” he said. “We told them that everywhere used must be cleaned responsibly by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. We want that place. If they didn’t comply with any of these conditions, the right of use will be revoked.”

He emphasized that his congregation holds a strong commitment to community welfare while upholding the integrity of the church’s principles.

Efforts made to get further details on the development from Newman were unsuccessful, as she refused to comment when contacted by the Sun on Thursday.

”I would like to reserve my comments to the following questions until I have a bit more information to share,” she said via email.

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