By Mariam Ibrahim, The Edmonton Journal

A Terwillegar church at the centre of a debate over plans for a supportive housing complex in the neighbourhood has been vandalized.

The words “No Homeless” were spray painted in three spots on the exterior walls of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, at 1428 156 Street in Terwillegar Towne.

The Revd Nick Trussell said he was informed of the vandalism Wednesday evening when he got a call from the instructor of a Highlands dance group that uses the church for its practices.

“Obviously it was done with frustration and anger, but we definitely want to see that message of anger and hate turned into a message of love,” Trussell said Thursday.

Plans for a 60-unit supportive housing complex for the recently homeless are in the works for the neighbourhood. The apartment complex is set to be built on land leased by the Anglican Church to the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre.

Trussell said the church is considering leaving one of the markings up and painting a mural around it to demonstrate what the world could look like if there were no homeless people.

“I think this project is about providing homes and creating caring and supporting neighbourhoods and communities, and that’s what everybody wants,” he said.

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