Inn From The Cold -- closing until the cold weather returns

The Shelter will be closed until further notice.  We're into a warm spell and today the city deactivated its extreme weather alert, so the posters have come down, the sign in front of the church has been cleared off, the food put away, etc.

During this last activation period, we were open two nights and welcomed 9 different guests: 5 the first night and 7 last night.    All were familiar faces from the first activation period.   We handed out the "comfort coats" Cecilia received from the organization in White Rock (partially sponsored by the Knights of Columbus).  These are amazing coats -- very roomy and warm parkas that convert into a sleeping bags by attaching the carrying bag made of the same parka material.  Very practical and will really help people get through the cold spells that the shelter isn't open.   We handed out two pairs of great boots donated by Turning Point Recovery (the group who attempted to open a second recovery facility in Richmond but weren't allowed).

We offered up Christmas cards to people to send off, but as far as I know, no one took advantage of it.   Some people have lost contact with their loved ones (including a couple who really want to reconnect, but don't have an address).   Others didn't seem to be in the frame of mind.  They know the cards are available and some may still take advantage of them.

The shelter hotline we set up is a hit (phone # 604-367-0885). Several folks have access to phones and call to check status.  

Thanks to Richard, Stella, Vic, Jan, Trevor, John, Gerry, Gracey, Margaret, Dianne, Ofra, Norm, Joan, Christi, Jean, Cecilia, Janet, Kay, Harry, June, Jennifer for coming out to prepare and serve meals on very short notice, to set up the mats, to put up the sign in front of the church, to decorate gift bags, to staff the booth at the Fair Trade Fair and to all those who helped behind the scenes and offered to come in but the shelter didn't open during your shift.  And all this in the last 4 days.  You are all a very special group of people.