Metro Turning Point Shelter

Michael Poworoznyk says the men who use Metro Turning Point form a community of support and respect. It’s an example that neighbourhoods would do well to follow. (Tim Krochak / Staff)

Article-The Chronicle Herald-Halifax-July 4, 2007

Safe, supportive community is everyone’s responsibility

By FRANK A BEAZLEY and CATHERINE J. WOODMAN | 4:41 AM

LAST month, we stopped by Metro Turning Point Centre, Halifax’s largest men’s shelter. Standing amid rows of modest cots piled with personal belongings, executive director Michael Poworoznyk described the men who sleep there. "They form a tight community of support, respect and acceptance," he stressed. "These men know our city very, very well and they know exactly what is happening in our city. They’re astute observers of human behaviour, they’re historians, and they’re great gossips!"

Michael delivered a surprising but clear message of self-determination and resilience. It humbled us both.

If, several years ago, you had asked us whether we would be working together, much less visiting a men’s shelter together, we both would have told you probably not. But after a chance meeting, we discovered a common perspective that underpins both our jobs: A safe and supportive community is everyone’s responsibility.

Over the past several years, things have changed both within HRM and the United Way. Crime and issues surrounding crime have become the news of the day. And with good reason. Over the past 10 years, violent crime has been on the rise, with the exception of last year when it pointed downward ever so slightly. A number of studies discuss causes and effects. The issues are complex: poverty, addictions, disadvantaged communities, at-risk families, lack of education and community programs, social exclusion, racism and so on.

People within our communities are calling for change. They look to police, governments and the justice system for solutions. But none of these alone can achieve success. When public, private and non-profit sectors find common purpose – headway is made. The power of these three sectors working in alignment provides a winning combination for communities. When we can align around a bold and measurable goal, such as reducing crime, there is a greater chance of sustained success.

Evidence is very strong that when neighbours get to know neighbours, when they unite in solving problems, earnestly support each other and celebrate together, the results are safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods.

Fourteen months ago, the police met two young women from one community that was under siege by drug gangs and violence. They wanted to form a tenants association and were hoping to build a rink. They wanted to be active in making their community a better place to live. Their challenges were formidable and they needed strong support. In response, there was a significant deployment of policing to attack the crime situation; but without social change, it would have failed. Police approached provincial government officials and their response was also significant. Now there are clear improvements for the people within that community and violent crime has reduced by 18 per cent. This critical change was sparked by residents stepping forward to reclaim their neighbourhood.

Today, we are working together on the United Way Action for Neighbourhood Change initiative. This is a strategy to strengthen neighbourhoods from the inside out, and began in Spryfield in 2005. Action supports individuals – residents – so they can work together to strengthen their own community. It is about finding leaders who want to do more, linking leaders with each other and with community resources. It includes all levels of government and funds for local projects to build momentum. After this first lift of seed funding, doors opened; and with leadership support, residents soon began to help themselves with greater ease.

The spirit of resilience at Metro Turning Point Centre is well ingrained in our neighbourhoods. It just needs lift. Like the men’s shelter, there has to be a laser-like focus on the raw strengths of the community.

Some would say it is too late or that the task is too big and impossible. We say we’ve been given an opportunity to ignite change. Recent exposure to government leads us to believe it is changing and it is responsive. But we, as a community, have to step up and become involved in helping ourselves.

So this summer, join a residents association, plan a neighbourhood street party, attend a community gathering, or simply invite your neighbour over for coffee – break down one more "us" and "them" barrier. The list of ways to strengthen our social network is long and dynamic. But ultimately, success depends on the people who live here.

Frank A. Beazley is Chief of Police, Halifax Regional Municipality. Catherine J. Woodman is president and CEO, United Way of Halifax Region.

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