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Warming centre location in Chilliwack sought

Last year they opened a warming centre in a Chilliwack church but they need a new venue now
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A new venue for a Chilliwack warming centre is being actively sought for this winter. (Chilliwack Progress file)

A new venue for a Chilliwack warming centre is being actively sought for this winter.

“We need something now,” said Coun. Ken Popove, who is also chair of the Housing First subcommittee of Chilliwack Healthier Community.

“I would hate to hear of someone freezing to death once the colder winter weather arrives.”

READ MORE: Last winter a respite

Last January a warming centre opened its doors downtown in the Chilliwack United Church, with help from BC Housing, City of Chilliwack and Ruth and Naomi’s Mission.

People were able to come off the streets on a drop-in basis to get dry, take a nap or have a coffee. By April there were some complaints lodged about people milling around on the sidewalks.

READ MORE: Out of the cold

A new location for this winter is something desperately needed in Chilliwack until the Salvation Army’s modular shelter opens in February 2018, said Coun. Popove.

It could be a venue offered by real estate professionals, local churches, or commercial owners.

“This is strictly short-term,” he said. “We just can’t find anything.”

The most vulnerable segment of society, which the homeless fit into, have to be offered some resources to keep them alive, Popove said.

The location is something they can discuss.

“We just wanted to put it out there to see if we could shake something loose,” Popove said.

A warming centre for youth only is in operation at Cyrus Centre until March.


@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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