|
Written by Delon Shurtz
|
|
Saturday, 21 November 2009 |
Sandy Annis firmly believes it takes a community to raise a community. That’s why she decided not to spend her day off at home Saturday, but at the Fritz Sick auditorium helping many of the city’s homeless families.
“I really believe in community,” Annis said as individuals, old and young, perused books and other items at the booth set up by the Family Centre where Annis works.
In addition to providing goods, Annis and co-worker Betty Huck also provided counselling and family training services.
“There’s such a need for this kind of event,” Huck said.
That was obvious. Within 30 minutes of the doors opening for Project Homelessness Connect, about 100 people had already attended and received food, clothing and toiletries, and various services, including haircuts and medical care.
“It’s a great opportunity to help our people who have fallen on hard times,” said Gary Bowie, chairman of the social housing in action committee, which organized the event.
The event also connected people to various agencies around the city, such as Job Links, Woods Homes, Lethbridge Legal Guidance Society and Alberta Employment.
“That’s been the key; providing these services for free,” Bowie said. “They will have some of the necessities of life that are needed.”
The idea of Project Homelessness Connect isn’t a new one. Bowie said other cities have held similar events, and it was time Lethbridge had one, as well. The first was held last March and it was a huge success as more than 150 volunteers and some 40 agencies helped more than 200 people.
“I rate it very high. Ten out of 10, a real positive experience for these folks.”
Although homeless numbers from the last count aren’t yet available, Bowie noted more than 700 people are on waiting lists to get into homes.
Diane Randell, manager of community and social development for the city, noted the youth shelter, women’s shelter and homeless shelter are consistently full, and many individuals and families are sleeping at the homes of relatives or friends.
SHIA plans to hold two such events a year, with the next one tentatively scheduled for March 2010.
|
