Editor,
The warming centre at Centennial Park closed on March 8, as per contract signed by the City of White Rock.
I wish to commend the staff of Engaged Communities Services Society, under the leadership of Upkar Singh Tatlay. Every single day, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., they turned the trailer, the resources provided in the contract and the supplies donated by this generous community into a space of welcome, warmth, dry clothing and life-sustaining food for up to 35 people who sheltered there. I do not know how the doctor, nurses and social-services providers managed to squeeze in to provide life-enhancing, even life-saving, services… but they did!
Evidence of the co-operation and caring of the Peninsula community was the van loaned by Sources to transport folks to important appointments and to/from the night shelter at the South Surrey Rec Centre on the nights of extreme weather. That shelter was operated by Options Community Services Society and the space provided by the City of Surrey. The funding was from BC Housing. If the weather is extreme, it may be open through April. It also receives support from local businesses, faith groups and community volunteers.
The City of White Rock courageously established the warming centre. I am inordinately proud of my city for having that vision.
I have another message to pass along to the the Peninsula community. We have been told by folks who are homeless how much it means to them when someone acknowledges them with a smile or a hello as they pass on the street.
As this season winds down, we are already looking ahead to the next cold weather. Shelter is necessary but it is not the answer for growing numbers of folks who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. There are individuals and organizations like Peninsula Homeless to Housing dedicated to establishing year-round supported housing so that vulnerable folks in our community can walk the path to wellness. Please join us in advocating with our local, provincial and federal elected officials for proven strategies that enhance the health of all citizens and the community.
Finally, let me express gratitude to Peace Arch News for the informative and indeed compassionate articles about the local unsheltered on the Peninsula.
Cheryl Lightowlers