Shelter House Thunder Bay’s SOS Program Returns
THUNDER BAY, ON – Shelter House is pleased to announce the restart of the Street Outreach Services (SOS) program effective August 15th, 2017 at 2pm. The SOS program was suspended on April 1, 2017 due to a funding shortfall. Through fundraising efforts and the support of the community Shelter House has raised $152,762 toward the final $200,000 goal.
“We are very grateful for the support the SOS program has received from various organizations and community members. We’re excited that the SOS program will be operating again assisting our most vulnerable citizens” says Gary Mack, Executive Director of Shelter House.
Shelter House thanks all of its incredible supporters including Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Matawa First Nations Management, Eabametoong First Nation, Fort William First Nations, Goldcorp Musselwhite Mine, Kristopher and Sharon Knutsen, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, the Joseph Esquega Health Centre and OPSEU.
The Street Outreach Services phone number is 807-620-SOST (7678).
The SOS program is a mobile outreach program providing service to homeless individuals in Thunder Bay. The service brings homeless, intoxicated, and other at-risk people off the streets and transports them to necessary services, like the hospital, withdrawal management centre or shelters. The SOS Team, a highly trained and skilled team of compassionate people, will be out on the road seven days a week from 2pm to 2am offering services to homeless, marginalized and high risk individuals in our community. Individuals are transported to services or locations that reduce risks the person may face from the elements or violence.
“The programs offered by Shelter House continue to be in a precarious position due to funding issues coupled with the ever growing needs of the homeless in our community” says Mack. “Shelter House relies on and greatly appreciates the generosity and support of community donors.”
HOW TO HELP – UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
- Donations to support the work of Shelter House in the community can be made by visiting the website at www.shelterhouse.on.ca.
- A number of exciting community focused fundraising efforts are happening. Friday, August 25th the thirteenth annual Mayor’s Mulligan will be taking place at Chapples Golf Course with all funds raised going towards the SOS program.
- The second Shelter House Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 19th from 12 (noon) to 4pm. The free event will feature a barbecue lunch and refreshments, live music, and a number of children’s activities and family games.
- Through a Leadership Thunder Bay Community Action Project (CAP), the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy worked with local youth who have been impacted by homelessness to create a photo voice project. The photos from the project are featured in “I Have a Voice” books and calendars which can be purchased by contacting dina.fundraising@hotmail.com. All proceeds will be directed to the SOS Program.
Quick Facts
- Shelter House of Thunder Bay provided shelter to 928 individuals for a total of 20,352 bed stays in 2016.
- In 2016 the SOS Program provided 4,923 transports and gave out 21,696 amenities to homeless people in need (blankets, coats, food, water)
