SERVING THE MOUNT WADDINGTON REGION
A new beginning for a community in need
Situated at the northmost point of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia, if not the world. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The region is ripe with opportunities for outdoor adventure and marine activities. Located within the traditional territory of the Kwakiutl First Nations and home to five surrounding First Nations bands—Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw, Kwakiutl, Quatsino, ‘Namgis, and Dzawada’enuxw—the region is also steeped with history and tradition. But the community has its challenges. Once thriving due to a booming economy, the town has experienced a high rate of unemployment with the loss of local mining, fishing, logging, and pulp mill industries. In fact, outside of the Downtown Eastside, the area currently has the second highest poverty rate, according to Statistics Canada. With a rise in unemployment, the community has experienced a rise in the need for resources and services, to assist those impacted by the current realities.
“Now we have the flexibility, we can just serve our community. And we are already seeing the impact.” As the demand for services grew and began to outpace our ability to serve effectively, we knew we needed to act. “Our facility could not meet the needs and additional space was needed, especially the need for beds,” says Michael Winter, Community Ministries Supervisor. “The Lighthouse Resource Centre served us well, but we were limited on how we could use the space to address the growing needs, so we decided to do something about it and create our own space.” Thanks to support from the government, local committees, and generous local donors, enough funding was secured to purchase a new building and renovate it to fit our needs. As a result, the new Centre of Hope opened in March of 2021. The purposebuilt facility offers a meal program, computer resource room, 16 year-long shelter beds, medical services, harm reduction programs, and space for AA meetings.
14
THE SALVATION ARMY ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2021
Since the building opened, it has become a place for new partnerships, and it has provided a newfound sense of pride for those who use the services. “People are amazed that this is happening for them,” shares Winter. “The results have reflected these changes and we are beginning to see progress, especially as it relates to those struggling with alcohol.” Cell visits have dropped 50 per cent, RCMP have reported less criminal activity, and there have been less emergency hospital ward visits. But Winter is the first to tell you that success looks a little different for everyone. “While many people come through and find housing and employment, a goal for someone may just be to get a clean pair of socks or even attempt to reconnect with their family… and we are blessed to be part of each person’s unique journey.”
