Thank you everyone for your continued support and questions related to COVID and our work to serve those most vulnerable in our Community. We would like to share with you an update about what we are doing at the shelter to protect our clients and our community.
“Our Home on 8th”, the Overdose Prevention Site, the Sobering Site and our food distribution networks are all still operating. All hours of operation remain the same.
We are doing our best to implement best practices as recommended by public health authorities and will continue to communicate any new information to our staff and clients.Some notable items which have occurred as a result of recent challenges are:
• the main Shelter site – “Our Home on 8th” – is closed to the general public and only accessible to residents,staff and additional health care professionals as required.
• The Shelter Society has established an additional 27 beds to accommodate homelessness needs during this crisis.
• Community members have been kindly providing homemade face masks which we distribute to residents to help prevent the spread of airborne disease.
• Our donor program is of course more important than ever, and if you are able to donate financial assistance, you can donate through Canada Helps. Regarding donations of clothing and furniture, we are not taking donations at this time.
• Please keep your eye on your neighbours, especially on our seniors and elders. We always appreciate calls from individuals and families who might need some extra help or support right now.
Additionally, we wanted to let you know things are moving ahead at Shelter Farm, our social enterprise. Kale, mustard greens, turnips and other root vegetables are sprouting. We’re looking forward to helping to feed our clients and community throughout the coming months. We are excited to be launching our online ordering system soon! Stay tuned!
Lastly, thank you to those who have been sewing and donating masks. We appreciate you! We are engaged with all of our Community partners in health, in housing, with the City of Port Alberni and the Regional District regarding ways in which we can work together. We also appreciate any comments, suggestions and questions you may have for us. Please know that we are here for all of you.
