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

The CEO of theCanadian Mental Health Association in Sudbury says the searchfor 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 saidthe current Salvation Army building is now under consideration.

A managed alcohol rogram serves alcohol to the homelesswho would otherwisenotseek shelter because of their addictions.

Theintention isto preventwithdrawal while keeping them safe, according to literature provided by the CMHA.

The right locationwill also be able to accommodatemen's residential services, the Out of the Cold Shelterand 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 approachthe Northeast Local Health Integration Network about providing a day program.

"Wecould 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 theOut-of-the-Cold shelter program, she said itwill remain in the former police building for at least one more season.