Members of a local family say they have given up hope that things will get any better.
The statement follows over two years of struggles in their neighbourhood surrounding the overflow shelter at the former Laurel-Lea St. Matthew's Presbyterian Church on Exmouth Street.
The family, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, told Sarnia News Today they've dealt with noise, security issues, and other criminal activities since the shelter opened.
They said the consequences have been devastating.
"Long term remote job loss due to constant disruption and stress, exposure to repeated traumatic incidents and psychological harm and ongoing stress from living next to violence, overdoses and daily police activity," read a written statement from the family.
They claim the shelter never should have been allowed to open in the first place, saying the facility didn't meet required bylaws to operate as such.
"This is not about opposing shelters, or turning our backs on vulnerable people," read the statement. "It is about demanding transparency, legality and accountability in how shelters are created and operated."
Last month, the City of Sarnia said a zoning bylaw complaint lodged against the shelter was investigated, and it was determined the site is now functioning, or has been functioning as a church, so further action regarding enforcement could not proceed any further.
The family has lived in Sarnia for the last eight years, having moved here from western Canada, and said they're now considering leaving Lambton County.
"This is about a broken process that bypassed the law, ignored residents and left families to pay the price. Helping vulnerable people should never come at the cost of destroying another vulnerable community," they said in the statement.
Most recently, Lambton County's General Manager of Social Services Melissa Fitzpatrick committed to exploring the current security model at the site and to look for efficiencies or better ways to patrol the space.
The commitment followed a request from City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts for ideas to mitigate criminal activity at the shelter.
City officials, including Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley also recently called upon the County of Lambton to bring forward a closure date for the shelter.
Fitzpatrick said the 35-bed overflow shelter will be maintained through the winter months. However, the resource centre operating out of the shelter will be closing and moved when the HART hub opens later this fall.
A group of area residents presented a petition in early 2025, calling for action from the county to close the shelter.
And, less than a year ago, City/County Councillor Bill Dennis also issued a call to have the facility closed.
