The new Upper Deck shelter in Sechelt has been operating at capacity since opening just before Christmas, and RainCity Housing says having the facility up and running is already making a huge difference in the lives of its clients.
“I can’t tell you how appreciative people were to be able to have a space with showers and proper laundry facilities and to not have to leave during the day, especially for our older folks. The time periods where we had to be closed [at the previous location] in the cold were really wearing on their physical health,” said Aaron Munro, RainCity’s associate director.
“I heard there were a lot of cheers and a lot of pretty happy people.”
The 20-bed shelter at 5653 Wharf Ave. is getting more than $900,000 in operating funds from the province and will provide 24/7 support, as well as meals, access to health services and counselling.
Munro said thanks to BC Housing staff and local contractors, the work needed to have the space fully functioning is complete.
According to Munro, the Upper Deck has been full since the first night of operation, Dec. 21, and during the colder weather, staff made room for a few extra clients.
He also said community support has been vital. “It’s been heartwarming for us. In 15 years in this business I’ve never seen a community care so much about their most marginalized people,” said Munro, who added that they also received cash donations “like we’ve never seen in any other community.”
RainCity has hired a local caterer to provide meals during the week, but they’ll still be relying on volunteers on the weekends.
Munro said they’re also still looking for tents, tarps, sleeping bags and other camping supplies as well as socks and winter footwear.
“There’s still people sleeping rough out in the bush that we do outreach to,” he explained.
