Hallelujah!

PROVINCE HELPS FUND TWO VERNON EMERGENCY SHELTERS
October 25th, 2007
CAUCUS RELEASE

VERNON - The Province has approved $249,433 in one-time funding for two temporary emergency shelters for men and women in Vernon, Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen announced today. "The Province continues to work with the local community to develop a permanent emergency shelter in Vernon," said Christensen. "This funding helps us address the immediate need for safe, secure shelter for individuals living on our streets while a long-term solution is being finalized." Community partners, in conjunction with the Province, have developed an interim plan to provide emergency shelter at two temporary sites during the winter months while work continues on establishing a permanent low-barrier emergency shelter in Vernon. The John Howard Society - North Okanagan / Kootenay Region will receive a one-time grant of $59,180 to operate a temporary 12-bed shelter for men. The Vernon and District Women's Centre Society will receive a one-time grant of $190,253 to operate a temporary 15-bed shelter for women. "This funding enables us to help men living on our streets by providing them with much needed access to safe, secure shelter," said Barbara Levesque, executive director, John Howard Society - North Okanagan / Kootenay Region. "This brings us one step closer to a permanent shelter for homeless women in Vernon," said Ann Forrest, executive director, Vernon and District Women's Centre Society. "With this funding, we will continue reaching out to women living on the streets and build on the work that started last winter." "We are working hard to ensure that the permanent shelter meets the needs of our community," says Annette Sharkey, executive director, Social Planning Council. "This funding provides financing for interim, temporary shelters while we finalize arrangements for a long term solution." As of November 5, 2007, the men's shelter will operate at the John Howard Society's current location, 2307 43rd Street. The operating times will be confirmed at a future date. The women's shelter will open on October 27th and operate out of the Salvation Army at 3303- 32nd Ave. Clients will be able to enter the women's shelter every night at 8:00 p.m. The Women's Centre will also provide drop-in services for women from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.










We pray that our people will never again need to seek refuge in places like this...