New home for LIFE Community Project
New location quieter, and not centre of downtown core
After spending the last few months handing out food to Oshawa’s homeless residents at Memorial Park, LIFE Community Project is moving near Midtown Mall.
By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express
With the city’s support, LIFE Community Project will be handing out food and clothing at another location in the city.
After being told by city officials they would need to move away from Memorial Park, LIFE Community Project, formerly LIFE Rally Oshawa, has been looking to find a new spot, and after a motion from Councillor Rick Kerr, they now have permission to move to the Midtown Mall hammer head road site.
LIFE Community Project has been handing out food and clothing at Memorial Park since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, while their efforts have been received positively, there has been an increase in the homeless population visiting the park in search of their services.
This has resulted in complaints from neighbours regarding the state of the park, which has seen an increase in the amount of litter and a rise in crime since the pandemic began.
At the most recent city council meeting, Councillor John Gray notes LIFE Community Project has been gathering on Simcoe Street, which is a major artery in Oshawa’s downtown. He notes the state of the park is often a visitor’s first impression of the city.
Mayor Dan Carter explains a great deal of waste is being left in the park, which has made it difficult for visitors to enjoy it, and is also a challenge for the surrounding area.
While Gray says he has concerns regarding the security of the new location, he supports the motion. “I support getting it into a quieter location,” he says.
Councillor Jane Hurst, who seconded the motion, praised its efforts to continue supporting those in need in Oshawa.
“This is a good, viable, working alternative to the current situation,” she says.
The new location will see a new mobile trailer paid for by LIFE Community Project and Durham Dignity for the Homeless.
The goal of the trailer, according to Kerr, is to enhance the quality and range of services provided at the Midtown Mall site.
John E. Walker of LIFE Community Project tells The Oshawa Express they are happy with the direction from council.
“We are pleased that we are now able to focus on the important activities, such as providing for those most in need,” he says.