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December 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Fraser Street Housing Q&A
A unique, welcoming place for people with mental illness and addiction
by Katherine Follis The first thing I notice when I walk into Fraser Street housing for people with concurrent disorders (mental illness and addiction) is how bright and welcoming this place is. I was there to meet with Ash, the manager of this unique apartment building. There are chairs placed in the entrance area for people to gather, and there is lots of art on the walls. In the library there are books all around and couches to sit on. Ash explained that the care and maintenance of this area is done by the tenants. Outside they have a working bee box that gives them their honey. This really looks like a great place. Q: How long have you been working here? A: I have worked here for 7 years.
Q: How many people work here? A: Ten people work here. Q: How many people live here? A: There are 30 tenants. Q: What can you tell me about the people who live here? A: The people who have lived here range from the homeless to lawyers. These are people who have struggled with addiction and mental health issues. They must be three months clean and sober, and be working with a recovery team. Q: How many buildings like this are in Vancouver? A: One. If you asked how many there are in BC, the answer is one. In all of Canada, one. In the entire Northern Hemisphere the answer is the same. One.
Q: What are your responsibilities here? Q: Do you think that is enough? A: I am the supervisor, I support the support workers and the tenants, may A: No, more supportive housing is needed. it be physical, mental, spiritual or medical. Q: What would you like to see change
in the mental health field? A: I would like to see addiction and mental health addressed together and be given equal weight. We need to get rid of the ghettos and the single room occupancies (SROs); better housing will help many people get off the streets and off drugs. The money spent on winter shelters is about $2,000 a month per person, this money would be better spent on permanent housing. I would also like to see people not be not so quick to judge what they don’t understand. Everyone knows someone with mental illness or addiction. This interview does not come close to truly explaining how important supportive housing is to the tenants of this building. They treasure the thinks so many of us take for granted, like having a safe place to live and a home to call their own. Katherine Follis is a student at Windermere high school who is taking a grade 12 law class.
Hours of Operation Pool
Dec 21-Jan 5, 2014
Centre Area Dec 16-20, 2013 Dec 21-Jan 1, 2014
Interim Schedule 9:00am-5:00pm Closed
Floor Maintenance Gymnasium Jan 6-12, 2014
Closed
Holiday Crafts Workshop (3-6yrs)
Leagh Wright Learn how to create holiday-themed crafts and decorate holidaythemed treats. Tue Dec 17 $13/person 12013.401RF 10:00-11:30am 12013.402RF 12:00-1:30pm
Saturday, December 7th 9:30-12:00pm $5/person
Join us with your family and friends for breakfast, fun, crafts and games. Adults must register as well. Children under 2yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Breakfast Seating 2nd seating 11:00am – 12:00pm 1st seating 9:30-10:30am Space is limited so register early.
Saturday, December 14th 1:15-3:45pm $8/person
Gingerbread House Making (3-6yrs)
Leagh Wright In this hands-on class we will be build our very own homemade gingerbread house to take home. Supplies included. Thu Dec 19 $11/person 12612.401RF 10:00-11:00am 12612.402RF 11:15am-12:15pm
Wednesday, December 20th 12:00-3:00pm $12/person
This is a great time to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with your friends. There will be entertainment, prizes and a traditional Christmas dinner with all the goodies. Buy your ticket early to make sure you have seat for this luncheon.
Renfrew’s Licensed Preschool (3-5yrs)
Five (5) spaces have become available for the below class. Please call 604 257-8391 for more information. Mon-Fri 8:30-11:00am $250/month
First Aid Hero - Babysitting Training First Aid Hero (11+yrs)
So you want to be a babysitter? Or, your parents want you to take this course so they feel confident leaving you at home alone? Babysitting with First Aid Hero emphasizes learning through real life scenarios. Covered in this course: Fri 9:00am-4:00pm Jan 3 $60/student
For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. GST included. Registration has now started. Register early so you don’t miss out.
Wibit Inflatable Days:
Saturday Dec 21 3:00pm–5:00pm
Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply