We've been open three nights now, some of the coldest weather of the season. Numbers are double what we saw the previous time we were open, so temperature does make a difference. Eight people joined us the last two nights, including two new men. This brings our total to 37 individuals who have stayed the night this season. We also had two returning women, and one returning pug, also female. I mention the dog because I attended the Homeless Count training session in Surrey yesterday and one of the questions surveyors ask is "Is there anybody with you today?" And one of the possible answers is "pet", to acknowledge the importance of pets to a homeless person. The results of the Homeless Count will help inform social service providers, funding sources, etc. Many facilities do not allow pets and this is one of the barriers to some homeless people seeking shelter. Not at our facility. Our rule is "absolutely no pets unless accompanied by a homeless person, staff member or volunteer".
It's heartwarming to see new volunteers continue to join our team. Welcome to Poona, Munesh, Carolyn, CathyP who helped out this week and to Boni, Tina, Jamie and Lisa who are on tonight and tomorrow night. Just outstanding. Poona arrived Sunday with a Greek meal completely cooked and ready to serve. Carolyn worked her magic with Leek and Potato soup. And Munesh and CathyP have been on standby for Thursday night for many weeks, but the weather's never cooperated till last night. Unfortunately, last night, the Canucks were in town and Munesh had seats at the game, but he gave his ticket away to help out. Special kudos to Munesh! Last night was another musical chairs night in that the blood donor clinic was using the main hall, kitchen and lounge, but we managed fine. We heated up the church and the guests spent the first couple hours there, warming up with some hot split pea and ham soup with a special treat from 7:30 onwards the St Alban choir practiced -- sounded great. At 8, we were able to move into the lounge for the main meal, then around 9:30 finally able to set up the mats and some tired people went straight to bed.
In terms of our new guests, the one man is quite young, from Toronto, his first winter away from home. The police drove him to our facility -- not because he was making trouble -- but when there's an extreme weather alert, they are on the lookout for people who might need shelter. And starting this year, have the power to forcibly take people to shelters, not force them to enter or stay the night, but at least bring them to the door, if their lives appear to be in danger. This young man was very happy for the ride and has stayed with us the last two nights.
The other new person is an unemployed cook, who had been at Richmond House shelter, but they have a 30 day maximum stay, so he's been forced to live outside for a few weeks. Real nice fellow, neatly dressed, freshly showered and shaved thanks to a well-known facility in city centre. He's been very impressed with social services - first time he's ever been on assistance - they've helped him get various certifications, helping with the job hunt etc and he's on the search for accommodation (assistance includes $375 per month housing allowance). You'd easily walk right by him or have a conversation and you'd never guess he was homeless. You may have already walked by him or some other "invisible homeless" person if you ever visit a library or shop at a mall in Richmond. And, I digress, but this is one of the weaknesses of the Homeless Counts in cities like Richmond where most homeless people are invisible. The Homeless Count pretty much only surveys people who appear to be homeless -- either by their looks, or actions (e.g. panhandling) or where they hang out (e.g. outside a bottle depot).
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