It’s not a topic that lends itself to publicity, Jennifer Young says.
There’s privacy issues, protecting ones’ rights and making sure that individuals feel comfortable within their own community. This is where Crave fits in, its board member said. The annual Squamish Helping Hands Society gala drives awareness about homelessness, while raising money for the community’s only homeless shelter.
“For people to really understand homeless [issues] they really have to hear the stories,” Young said.
This summer, Helping Hands opened Home InStead, a new emergency shelter which includes Squamish’s first transitional housing. The Wilson Crescent house separates female and male sleeping quarters — a component that was missing for the former shelter. It also gets people off mats and into beds.
Every penny that comes in from the gala on Saturday, Sept. 27, will aid Helping Hands move its vision forward, Young said. Times are tough, she noted, adding even with the new facility she is not sure there will be enough spaces to get everybody out of the cold. With the rental market non-existent it’s especially difficult to find homes for those categorized as “hard to house.”
“In the past it has always been that we have never turned anyone away,” Young said.
Crave is going into its fourth year. The CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre, at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, will be transformed into an urban street party. Squamish chefs will set up different food stations showcasing their culinary creations. Food will be paired with B.C. beer and wine.
The event gives people a chance to dress up and have fun, Young said. The Sea to Sky Big Band will keep people’s feet tapping and the dance floor busy.
Tickets are available at Scottie’s Liquor Store and Squamish Helping Hands Society. They can also been bought online at www.squamishhelpinghands.ca where one can find a Crave link.
