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Guest Editorial: Karen O'Shannacery, Lookout Emergency Aid Society
I recently met with staff who will be operating the supportive housing and shelter at the Russell Hotel (the old College Place) in New Westminster. The enthusiasm, commitment and creativity staff shared while we strategized on how to help people successfully transition into this beautifully rebuilt heritage SRO was humbling. We took tenants on tours of the building during construction and they were amazed at the fabulous differences; also a humbling experience. From a place where many had previously loudly proclaimed their distrust of Lookout and BC Housing, they are now an appreciative group of individuals. Working in trust and with flexibility, the staff and tenants will transform this rebuilt SRO into a community they can proudly call home. Tenant selection has started for vacant units, with priority to some of New Westminster's most vulnerable chronically homeless people. Working closely with our service partners, Lookout will be able to give them the support and assistance they need for successfully transitioning from chaotic and unhealthy lifestyles, to greater stability and better health.
BC Housing’s purchase of SRO hotels has reduced the risk of creating more homelessness in our communities. Lookout's raison d'être has always been to end homelessness for people who fall between the cracks, for those who have few, if any options. The hotels Lookout and BC Housing partner in give hope, stability and safety to almost 200 individuals with multiple barriers. The joy on the faces of Walton Hotel tenants in the Downtown Eastside as they moved into their renovated home was profound. A few were in tears. They know the difference that housing makes in their lives. We look forward to seeing the same joy as people move into the Russell over the coming weeks.
The journey to creating these homes has been difficult, perseverance in forging a newly defined partnership between BC Housing and non profits has been a necessity as roles and budgets have been redefined. It is through striving towards common goals with mutual respect that together, government and the non profits, have achieved so much in overcoming homelessness in such a short period of time. I want particularly to acknowledge James Weldon, the master 'craftsperson' at BC Housing who led the renovations at the hotels - he listened, he worked closely with us and found solutions to the bedbug epidemic that plagued most of our hotels. Thank you, James!
Lookout is looking forward to continuing to create and offer supportive housing, working in tandem with funders, service and health agencies. We are excited that construction will start soon on First Place, a 129-unit apartment block at First and Main that again is dedicated to creating homes for chronically homeless individuals. Together we are ending homelessness one person at a time and demonstrating homelessness can be overcome!
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