Skip to content

COVID-19: Howe Sound Women's Centre limits services

Pearl's Value and Vintage also temporarily closes
pearls

The Howe Sound Women's Centre announced on March 17 that the society is closing the doors on their drop-in services for at least two weeks.

Executive director Ashley Oakes told The Chief that the Squamish and Whistler women's drop-in centres will still be providing support by phone or video.

"I think the women's centre is really cognizant that during times of stress and financial circumstances changing, we anticipate seeing increased cases of domestic violence in the community," she said, adding the centre is still available 24/7 through the crisis line (1-877-890-5711).

"Look out for each other and look out for your neighbours. Make sure people are safe and have what they need."

The Wednesday food bank hampers will still be distributed to those who use the service. The society will also be making emergency toiletries accessible at the Howe Sound Centres, but cannot take in clients.

Following government and health authority recommendations, the society also closed its store Pearl's Value & Vintage for at least two weeks. 

"With Pearl's closing, we are losing our main revenue source. I know everyone is going to be on a tight budget in the community this next little while, but we would appreciate any financial donations to the women's centre to keep our staff going as long as possible while we navigate this," Oakes said.

The Squamish drop-in centre can be reached at 604-892-5748 or online at www.hswc.ca.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks