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DECEMBER 22, 2015
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Winter homeless shelter opens Riverside Road facility to provide 40 beds until the end of April Laura RODGERS Abbotsford News
Just over three weeks ago, it was an empty lot. Now, the temporary homeless shelter on Riverside Road is up and running, with 40 beds for people to sleep, and meal service during the day. “There were some challenging times in getting this facility to where it is now,” said Shayne Williams, executive director of Lookout Emergency Aid Society. Lookout, a non-profit that also operates five shelters throughout the Lower Mainland, is running the facility with a $450,000 grant from BC Housing. The building costs of $750,000 were provided by the City of Abbotsford through gas taxes earmarked for community initiatives. The shelter itself was built, or rather assembled, at top speed. It’s made out of six construction trailers attached side by side, with areas for sleeping, eating, socializing, and connecting with community support. Those who stay at the shelter won’t have to trek through the cold in order to sign up for housing assistance, get a medical checkup, or connect with many of Abbotsford’s other agencies providing aid to homeless people. Instead, representatives from Fraser Health, Abbotsford Community Services and other groups will host office hours right at the shelter, a
RIVER BANK EROSION A5 City considers $8-million solution to potentially catastrophic flood scenario
LIGHTS RETURNED A7 Homeowner pleased after thieves steal Christmas lights, but put them back days later
CENTRE RESTRICTIONS A13 Women’s recovery facility must address concerns before expansion is approved
After a month of construction, Abbotsford’s winter shelter (left) opened Monday evening, complete with a Christmas tree donated by the city. It’s hoped residents of the Gladys Avenue camp (top left) will move to the shelter, which was announced in November (top right).
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