The Ladner United Church has opened a ‘new’ shelter for the next three months.
Operating the same at the Emergency Weather Shelter, this temporary emergency shelter is a first step in finding shelter for those who have needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BC Housing, Options BC, the City of Delta and the church council through discussions made the decision to open this shelter, said shelter coordinator Shirley Baker.
The shelter is open every day from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. from now until June 30.
“We only have the capacity for five beds because we have to have the distance in between,” said Baker. “We are also limited in the type of food we serve, so we are handing out a bagged lunch at night and another bag in the morning when they leave. We are trying to keep everyone safe in the shelter as well as outside.”
Baker said extra volunteers are needed to help run the shelter.
“We have laundry that needs to be done every day and beds to be made,” she said. “For the next three months, continuous, I would like to have a schedule that isn’t the same people. I want to have a bit of a turnaround for staff.”
She said they have reached out to Cedar Park Church for volunteers to help make food, such as sandwiches for the bagged meals, as well as the Lander United Church congregation.
“Someone to help make a loaf of sandwiches will all help to keep us going for the next three months,” Baker said. “This is a little bit different than the Emergency Weather Shelter which can fluctuate with the weather. We know we will be open for the next three months every day. We want to include the community in this so they can participate in well.”
To volunteer or offer to help out in anyway, contact Baker via email: [email protected].
