We closed the shelter this morning after 7 nights and will remain closed till we return to subzero weather, likely Saturday or Sunday night. We had 13 overnight guests last night, our largest night yet. Three new faces -- all younger men, at least 2 had been here last year. Twenty-three individuals have now stayed at the shelter since we opened in November.
On Tuesday nights, we've been encouraging people to attend the community meal and that's been working great. Five or six attended last night. Most of the remaining guests arrived quite late, and they were served leftovers from the fridge by the overnight staff. The volunteers who worked the shift last night had little to do, not even dishes, but they enjoyed socializing with the guests. So, from now on, Tuesday nights that there's a community meal, we won't plan volunteer shifts in the kitchen. But people are welcome to come to the shelter any evening to socialize, including Tuesdays.
Yesterday we said farewell to a very deserving man who took possession of his bachelor accommodation in Burnaby. One of our staff drove him there and we got word last night that he enjoyed a long, hot bath and is still amazed that he has a home again -- he'd been in a tent for two years. He will continue to stay in touch, and hopes to find permanent housing in Richmond in 2 or 3 months. Another great guy is going to see a room in Burnaby today that he'd like to rent (he's been homeless for a year) and asked for letters of reference from a couple of us. We were happy to oblige.
So thanks again to everyone working behind the scenes and to those who came early and stayed late: JeanM, JohnG, Ofra, GerryM, Joanne, FrancesK, De, JoanG, JeanP, Stuart, Elaine, TheresaH, TheresaA, SerenaC, Randy, Trevor, LisaP, Evy, LynnF, Gracey, Kristin, Elisabeth, JohnR, JoanL, Sandra, Kathleen, Harry.
Your actions and presence send a strong message of love to those who can use some. You are making a difference.
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