Renovo Residents Oppose Joshua House
by Barbara Mastriania
RENOVO – Renovo residents turned out en masse last evening to protest plans for the proposed Joshua House on St. Clair Avenue, citing concerns, including that the home would be just two doors away from the youth center.
Less than a half dozen of the standing-room only crowd spoke in favor of a home for male alcohol and drug addicts.
Rev. Albert Jones, a psychiatric nurse at Divine Providence Hospital in Williamsport purchased the home at 214-216 St. Clair Avenue in Renovo two years ago. Information at the meeting said he is a licensed minister and an associate pastor for 13 years at his church in Williamsport. He serves with the Soldiers for Christ International Ministry and assists with various community needs. He was among those from the area who were volunteers during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Rev. Jones is married and the father of four children.
Jones responded to numerous questions and concerns about the proposed Joshua House. He said it will not be a drug or alcohol detoxification center. He also said Joshua House would not be a burden to the community but rather it would be an asset.
Jones said there would be live in supervision by licensed social workers who are drug and alcohol addiction specialists. There would not be prison inmates or Megan’s Law offenders. The men would be from the Renovo area.
Jones said he gets no money and no salary, but is doing this because “the Lord told me.”
He said he believes it is faith-based and believes it will stimulate the economy in Renovo, faith-based. He said no federal money is involved and everyone on staff must pass background checks and have CPR training.
According to information last night, Joshua House will house 6 to 8 men at any given time. The home is for men with problems with drugs and alcohol. Christian mentoring and chapel services would be held in house. Men would be from the Renovo area. A work program with transportation to and from job sites will be provided to enable men to generate income and to be an asset to the community, not a burden; he said.
Jones said the house was purchased two years ago and that he had told area ministers of his intentions for Joshua House. He said renovations are still being done in the house. Wednesday’s meeting was held because of rumors and negativity in the community regarding Joshua House.
One of the few who spoke in favor of Joshua House was Wendy Corey who said she grew up in Renovo and is an educator in the Williamsport School system. “I’m for this house,” she said. “By helping these men you’re helping the children of Renovo,” she said.
Also speaking in favor were: Chris Graw, who said drugs are here now, resulting in fear and robberies due to drug use. Joshua House is positive action to combat drug use, she said
Methodist Minister pastor Doug Conway spoke in favor of the proposal, noting it is needed refuge for men who need help. Clinton Count Commissioner Jeff Snyder the proposed facility “a positive action in the war on drugs.” He asked the audience to consider that solutions to the drug/alcohol problems can be difficult.
At one point Renovo Mayor Carl Olshefski told a man who was recording the meeting to turn off his camera.
Rev. Conway said many times men with addiction problems come from broken families, broken homes. He said he grew up in that atmosphere. “This is such an important thing, something that really needs addressed.” He said he works with men in prison and that it’s more than a legal issue. “Addicts need to know there is value to their life. If not Joshua House, what?” he asked.
Renovo resident Fred Curran asked, “Why did you pick Renovo? Why St. Clair Avenue with little kids next door? We don’t want it!” he said.
Robert Cozzi said he spent 15 years working to get the youth center (two doors away) “I’m 200,000 percent against it,” he said.
Also speaking against it were Mayor Olshefski, and Mary George Rhone who had a youth group many years, and educator Dan Heiser who said the proposed site is “a terrible location.” Several people said the way to help men in Renovo is get them away from Renovo. Mike Poorman, educator, a neighbor of the proposed Joshua House said “Life is a choice. My kids are scared.”
Robert Shank in an emotional comment noted that “this crowd came together for something they don’t want. How about our advocacy meetings? Only about five or six people from Renovo attend, he said most attendees from Lock Haven. The meetings, “Hope for Tomorrow” are held every last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Phil Newton spoke in favor of Joshua House saying, “I’m a Christian. This is a minister who wants to help people. Discipline. This is good for this community.”
Councilman Tom Tarantella Jr. said he believes most residents are against it and that he will do everything we can to keep it out of Renovo.
