Delta’s extreme weather shelter had a record-breaking year.
Located at Ladner United Church, the shelter was recently deactivated after opening for 39 consecutive days.
“Since the beginning of November, we have had 88 openings,” said shelter coordinator Shirley Baker. “It’s all weather dependent of course and we have had some very tough weather this year. In that timeframe we have seen 175 physical bodies come in and use the shelter. Whether that is repeat people, it doesn’t matter. That is just 175 bodies that were not on the street.”
Baker said volunteers at the shelter have been amazing.
“The night staff, in particular, because they are there all night long and now that we a washer and a dryer, volunteers can provide the cleaning of clothes. That is a huge aspect for us because people can come in, have a shower and leave with clean, dry clothes. I don’t think I have done so much laundry in my entire life,” she said.
Baker added the support from the community has been fantastic.
“People have dropped off clothes, food, gift cards, groceries and little items that provide a little bit of comfort,” she said. “Having that feeling that the community supports you means so much. We live in a beautiful and loving community. I think the community is more aware of the homelessness that we have out there. I’m really overwhelmed by our community support.”
The shelter offers a warm place to sleep, hot food and drink, a chance to dry off clothes and utilize a shower.
“Being able to provide shelter to people in our community who would otherwise be outdoors during this very cold spell has been really important,” said Jonquil Hallgate, Delta community representative for BC Housing. “I know that each EW site has provided much more than a mat on a cold night to the people who have stayed there. Every site has seen an increase in the number of people showing up this year.
“Thank you to all of the volunteers, staff and organizations that support people in our community who are homeless each EW season.”
