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Some of the encampment residents are working with Noah on achieving the City’s standards for “housing readiness”, and one is nearly at the point of being classified as “housing ready” (although the City has not yet promised to make any housing available).
Noah also attends almost all worship services as part of their work, to ensure that there is someone there whose specific role is to respond to the urgent and immediate needs of the most marginalized of those who join us.
The number of people encamped around the church has grown again this year as other encampments have been cleared, and we now have roughly nine long-term residents. We continue to advocate with the City for appropriate services, and for housing with meets people’s real needs.
Our meal programmes continue as usual, and the need for food is still growing, especially in the summer months. Thanks to a devoted team of volunteers, we serve between 125 and 160 hot dinners every Friday, and up to 200 takeaway breakfasts every Saturday and Sunday. We also distribute harms reduction kits, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and other survival supplies. We are ensuring that all of our volunteers are trained in the principles of harms reduction and in overdose reversal, and that as many as possible have first aid training. Some have also had additional training in de-escalation and mental health first aid.
We have added a biweekly art workshop at our Friday drop-in, led by the brother of one of our wardens. There is a small group of loyal regular participants, and there are others who join occasionally. We are also in conversation with someone who may be interested in offering writing workshops on alternate weeks. This programming offers opportunities for self-expression, increases self-esteem, and contributes to building community.
We’re very grateful to Faithworks for the support which has allowed us to expand our work.
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