Residents of a downtown Windsor apartment building are at their wits end over drug addicts using their property.
The Salvation Army Windsor Community Rehabilitation Centre is located directly across from the building on Church St. near Park St. W.
Finding needles, crack pipes, and people strewn across the lawn or besides the building are a regular occurrence, according to Amy, who only wanted to be identified by her first name.
A representative from the Salvation Army tells CTV Windsor, the organization can't be responsible for people after they leave the property, but did say they are willing to work with neighbours on any issues they're faced with.
Amy has gone as far as obtaining a Naloxone Kit in case she witnesses an overdose first hand.
"There was a guy that was so high that passed out and he looked dead," she says. "I'm tired of having to touch people to see if they're still alive."
Lauren Ruby can't believe so many people ignore the issue, saying "sometimes, I automatically assume someone has overdosed. I look at these people and ask why isn't anyone checking on these people," says Ruby.
Both Amy and Ruby are in favour of safe injections sites to get drug addicts off the streets and try and get them clean.
"We have little children in here don't be so selfish," says Amy. "If a child grabs that needle and accidentally sticks themselves then what?"
Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare CEO Janice Kaffer tells CTV Windsor, people continue to misunderstand overdose prevention sites — they also offer rehab and counselling to try and get users off drugs as well.
Windsor Police Services remind residents to call 911 if they find someone unresponsive so emergency services can help.
— with files from Stefanie Masotti/CTV Windsor