Dozens protest closing of Horizons at 106 facility in St. John’s

Protesters are calling on the provincial government to reconsider its plan to shut down Transitional Housing Facility Horizon 106. They say that the plan to relocate the residents will cause them harm. We need a solution that protects the progress each resident has made in their lives at the time that arises rather than undoing it. I also want to make one thing absolutely clear. We will not be silenced, ignored, or passed from program to program. as though we are a problem to be managed rather than people deserving permanent stability. We will continue to ask questions, we will continue to demand answers, and we will continue to hold our elected officials and the responsible organizations accountable. I'm not going to come with any preconception that we are not closing 106 because we are. And I'm not, I get it, I get it, but I truly believe in this model, I believe it'll work, and I can come down and talk to any one of you. Graciana Smith lives at Horizons at 106 and says that residents might be put in danger by the new living arrangement. We're going from having our own shared rooms to the possibility of residents sharing rooms. That could be anxiety too. From the residents, we have a locked bedroom where we can feel safe, where we can go if we feel unsafe. But if you're sharing a room with someone else, they are not going to feel safe. Mary Walsh, no stranger to confronting politicians, also had something to say to the minister. But I want to hear your biggest concern, because listen, it's been a hard road. I know it has. I get it. At Horizon 106, wouldn't you have gone over and wouldn't the people from the government have gone over and spoken to them and asked them what the needs were? They did. We've had people there all week. This week? But sure, you threw them out before this week. I mean, they've been there for three years. This week is too little, too late, Minister. The 45 residents at Horizon 106 have been told they will be moved by December 15th. John Harris, CBC News, St. John's.