Yellowknife (Dec 15/06) - The receptionist at New Horizons may announce on the phone that the centre is open for business, but the doors are locked to the general public.

The centre originally opened to assist mental health patients, but its drop-in service became popular as it was the only one available during the day.

"The situation was that people were coming in to the centre and we did not want to discriminate," said Les Harrison, director of social programs for Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority.

Unfortunately, as issues arose with some violent patients, the drop-in portion of the centre had to be closed down. Although services can still be accessed, the door is locked and patients are only let in while staff are available.

George, a former patron of New Horizons, who did not wish to be identified, said that many of his friends are now stuck without anywhere to go to during the day.

"Some people depended on cooking there," said George. "People really depended on that place. People who would hang around and sleep outside would have a nap in there."

Marren Pluchinski, director of community services with the Salvation Army, reported that violence among patrons was also a problem at the Salvation Army. However, once the shelter began implementing a zero-tolerance policy and restricting violent patients, the problems soon subsided.

Pluchinski confirmed that with the New Horizons drop-in portion closed down, many of the homeless now have nowhere to go during the day.

"Maybe the bars are the only ones who will accept them, " she added.