Sudbury's CMHA still searching for home for managed alcohol program

The CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Sudbury says the search for a building to house its future managed alcohol program is shifting gears.

With the news that the former police building downtown isn't suitable, Marion Quigley said the current Salvation Army building is now under consideration.

A managed alcohol rogram serves alcohol to the homeless who would otherwise not seek shelter because of their addictions.

The intention is to prevent withdrawal while keeping them safe, according to literature provided by the CMHA.

The right location will also be able to accommodate men's residential services, the Out of the Cold Shelter and possibly a medical clinic, Quigley said. 

Clients have made it clear that a downtown location is important to them, she added.

While the search for a building continues, Quigley said she may approach the Northeast Local Health Integration Network about providing a day program.

"We could use the funding on a temporary basis to operate a day program. That's not ideal, but at least then we'd be meeting the needs of some people in our community," said Quigley.

She said that would mean possibly accepting clients into a day program on a short-term basis while renovations on a permanent home take place.

"We're not feeling panicky in any way," said Quigley.

"We're moving forward with our planning. This is a very expensive program, it's very intense. The more time we have to plan it properly, I think is helpful for everyone in our community."
    
As for the Out-of-the-Cold shelter program, she said it will remain in the former police building for at least one more season.