On reading the pushback Turning Point Center received regarding their relocation to Court Street, I can understand people’s fears but would encourage them to reconsider for a number of reasons.

First, the substance use crisis is here in our community, near our schools, impacting our children, regardless of whether TPCAC is on Court Street or a half mile away on Creek Road. People experiencing SUD are our friends, family, and neighbors. So are the people experiencing homelessness who find community at Gather whether it’s on Merchant’s Row or Court Street.

Second, the people in recovery who are coming to TPCAC to receive services are not a threat; in fact, to the contrary, they are people who have found the courage and wherewithal to effect change in their lives. Yes, people relapse — and sadly, this is more likely to happen in their homes, away from services and people who can help, not at the TPCAC office. (Though admirably, dedicated TPCAC workers are out there in the community too, meeting people where they’re at and providing life-saving interventions to people in their homes.)

Third, having a strong, stable, recovery organization like TPCAC in the community is a beacon of hope in what seems like endlessly bad news about the opioid epidemic. TPCAC brings important resources to the county, including for prevention, offering educational programming and even resources like recovery-friendly yoga to help people stay healthy.

I could go on, but I bet most people reading this already know someone in recovery that they love and support, and don’t need me to tell them how important both TPCAC and the people it serves are to our community. I applaud Middlebury for supporting this change of use and look forward to supporting TPCAC’s campaign to purchase their new home base.

Elise Shanbacker

Vergennes