From the moment you arrive, it’s easy to see something is a little different about Squamish’s downtown homeless shelter.
At the Squamish Helping Hands facility on Third Avenue, small greenhouses have been erected in the space near the entrance. Vegetable plants are growing in the structures, and the produce will be sold at the Squamish Farmers’ Market to raise funds to help feed, shelter and clothe the homeless.
The greenhouse plants are tended not just by staff and volunteers, but also by the homeless clients themselves, explains executive director Maureen Mackell. She and her co-workers want to do much more than simply provide people shelter. They also aim to provide them the dignity of helping create their own future by being part of the care they receive and by giving back.
“When people arrive at the door, we say, ‘We have all these services for you. Now, what can you bring?’” she explains. “We are compelling people to contribute… because it makes people feel better and when they feel better, they get better. We are not a flop house.”
While many of the homeless have mental illnesses or addictions, Mackell says everyone can take pride in contributing, and the effects are positive. “Once we started this, we saw such an amazing change in people. People take ownership.”
Mackell’s goal is to eradicate homelessness in Squamish. Her passion in leading her team of staff and volunteers toward the vision is evident. The plan is to eventually build a new facility in Squamish where people can receive all the services they need – including counselling – to get them off the streets.
“Is it possible to end homelessness? Yes it is... it is possible to get ahold of this social issue with integrity and compassion.”
She points to the success in ending homelessness in Medicine Hat, Alberta – but Squamish has much less land and a rental market with “zero vacancy” and high prices, she notes.
“Affordability is such a key issue. The housing crisis is a key issue. Who is coming through our doors is changing,” she says, noting some shelter residents are working people who are unable to pay their rent.
The Squamish Helping Hands Society is partnering with other agencies, including BC Housing, the District of Squamish, Vancouver Coastal Health, Sea to Sky Community Services and the Howe Sound Women’s Centre, to solve homelessness.
Judging by the passion of Mackell’s team, if a solution can be found, I believe they’ll find it – together.
