New program aims to improve downtown cleanliness while creating jobs

A new pilot project in downtown St. John’s will provide additional cleaning services while creating paid employment opportunities for people supported by The Gathering Place.

The City of St. John’s, The Gathering Place and the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador launched Pitching In this week.

Participants will carry out regular cleaning in downtown parks, sidewalks, bus stops and other public spaces, complementing existing municipal cleaning services.

The Gathering Place will lead the program, while ACNL will provide staff and participant training, along with equipment and expertise for safely handling litter that may include hazardous materials such as discarded needles.

The City is contributing up to $150,000 to the pilot project.

Mayor Danny Breen says the initiative will provide additional resources for downtown cleaning while giving participants opportunities to gain work experience and develop skills.

The program is intended to benefit downtown residents, businesses and visitors while providing participants with paid employment, training and experience that could help them transition to longer-term employment.

ACNL Executive Director Gerard Yetman describes Pitching In as a harm reduction project that brings together the organizations' expertise to support participants and improve downtown public spaces.

The partners say they hope to make the program an ongoing initiative if the pilot produces the expected results.

The City says Pitching In is part of its broader investment in programs addressing social needs and employment opportunities. It says more than $900,000 has been provided to community organizations this year through its Community and Capital Grants Program.