Squamish Helping Hands Society has been providing 24-hour shelter and support for the town's underprivileged for a year now, and on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 3) the organization hosts the entire community in a celebration to express gratitude to those behind its success.
"Helping Hands is, and will continue to be, a place where heart and business are not exclusive of each other, where caring for those who need our help is how we measure our success," executive director Maureen Mackell.
A study in 2006 determined approximately 100 homeless people lived in town, showing a critical need to provide a safe haven for these individuals. So the Squamish Helping Hands Society was formed by a group of visionary volunteers in partnership with the District of Squamish to do just that.
The momentum has only grown since its inception, said Mackell.
"It started off very small, as an extreme weather emergency shelter, then it developed into a drop-in centre open three days a week and since Sept. 2009, a 24-hour, seven day a week model has been implemented."
Located downtown, the Squamish Helping Hands Society provides daily hot meals, clothing, laundry facilities, showers and beds.
These aspects make up the core of the shelter's role to help people improve their lives.
"We offer case planning services, vocational and life skills counselling and access to a public nurse," said Mackell.
"We support clients who are experiencing addictions and help them to move along the independence continuum. They may be here now but we want to move them towards an independent life."
None of this would have been possible without the energy of volunteers and workers, says Mackell.
"A couple of these stellar volunteers are Dennis Bartlett, Ken Pickering, Helen Lalonde and Susie Petruk. These volunteers pushed the agenda forward in order to provide open hands to those without - they worked tirelessly to make it all happen."
The growing volunteer program has been enormously supportive, assisting with meals and groups such as a literacy circle, where people read poems, stories and develop literacy skills, she said.
A food distribution program, connections with businesses and other community groups and donations help the centre continue its important work, and that support within the community is instrumental, Mackell said.
"We choose to have a community that cares a community that takes care of its diverse population."
Squamish Helping Hands Society will be commemorating its one year anniversary of the 24-hour service on Nov. 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the centre at 39730 Third Ave.
Squamish's mayor, BC Housing and other guest speakers will be on hand to celebrate the achievements.
"This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the people who made it happen and a way to say thank-you to the community," said Mackell.
"We are gathering together a great team board members, volunteers and staff alike - to do great work, to create a welcoming and safe environment for those who are hungry or homeless."
