With the closure of the community’s only emergency shelter program fast approaching, Lift Community Services is holding an outdoor gear donation drive to equip community members who may be forced to sleep rough.
According to a media release, Lift is soliciting donations of good quality tents, sleeping bags, mats, backpacks and disposable rain ponchos to distribute to individuals who would otherwise access shelter services. Lift will be accepting donations at its head office at 4448 Marine Avenue between 10 am and 4 pm on Monday, March 24.
“I want to be clear – a tent is not a home,” stated Lift executive director, Kim Markel. “Unfortunately, with the shelter soon closing, community members will be forced to sleep rough, and we want to make sure they are as prepared and comfortable as possible.”
Lift’s emergency shelter, the only one in qathet, is closing indefinitely on March 26. The building, at 4752 and 4746 Joyce Avenue, which houses the emergency shelter, was sold last July and Lift was informed that its longtime lease would not be renewed beyond this month.
Despite months of work and advocacy, the organization has not been able to secure a new shelter site. Last month, City of Powell River and BC Housing agreed to assess a vacant lot on Barnet Street for development of an emergency shelter, but with no immediate alternative location, the existing shelter will be closing at the end of the month, the release stated.
“We’ve already supported 56 individuals at the shelter so far this year,” stated Markel. “The closure will be deeply felt by individuals, families and the community as a whole.”
Lift is requesting donations from the community to support individuals who are forced to sleep outside once the emergency shelter closes.
“This is one way the community can show support to individuals who are in a very tough spot now and will be for the foreseeable future,” stated Markel.
Lift is encouraging community members to drop off donations of sleeping bags, tents, tarps, sleeping mats, camping packs and disposable rain ponchos in good condition to its head office. They are also accepting cash donations, to purchase additional supplies, plus gift cards. Lift will distribute the supplies to individuals vacating the shelter that week.
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