Brantford residents raise concerns about new centre helping those experiencing homelessness [Video]

SOAR Community Services opened a new support centre in Brantford to help those experiencing homelessness, but some neighbours are questioning its Murray Street location.

SOAR is a not-for-profit organization that helps the most vulnerable in the community with addictions, mental health, employment, justice and housing supports.

“We want to create a sense of community,” said Kim Baker, SOAR’s executive director. “For us, community is inclusive. It means our clients and our neighbors, our staff, our partners.”

On Monday afternoon, SOAR invited residents to a meeting to voice their concerns.

“We do understand these resources are needed,” resident Terence Kelsey said before the meeting. “However, they are not needed in the hub of a residential neighborhood.”

He claimed he was nearly assaulted earlier this month, outside of his home.

“He confronted me and threatened me,” Kelsey said.

The SOAR centre, which opened in late August, is not a shelter but does direct clients to emergency spaces in the community.

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