One thing I find particularly inspiring about working with the Golden Ears Transition Initiative is that its members are interested in the whole spectrum of community well-being. They recognize that a healthy and resilient community has many facets, not only those regarding energy, food security, transportation, education, etc.

I was proud to see Lisa Eastham and the CEED Centre on the front page of the May 31 edition of the Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows Times newspaper, talking about a new group that is trying to find solutions for Maple Ridge citizens whose behavioural problems resulting from mental illness and drug abuse prevent them from accessing social services.

As Christian Cowley, executive director at the CEED Centre points out, the community expends a lot of resources - police, bylaws, paramedics, hospital care and private security - moving these people along, without providing anywhere for them to go.

The new group's first steps include consulting with homeless people and social service agencies and developing an action plan.

You can help with this effort by contacting the CEED Centre group.