Victoria group that offers addictions and homelessness supports receives $80K boost from province
The B.C. government is providing an $80,000 grant to a Victoria group that offers addictions and overdose support to those who are homeless or vulnerable.
The funds will be used by the Solid Outreach Society to continue operating its drop-in space in the North Park area, and to offer health education and support services.
"There is a serious lack of drop-in spaces for people who use drugs, people who are homeless and for people who might have basic housing needs met but who have nowhere to go during the day," said Mark Willson, director of operations for the Solid Outreach Society in a statement Monday.
"Having a drop-in space and peer staff to engage and support them is the best way to connect people with health and harm-reduction services they wouldn’t otherwise have access to," he said.
In addition to operating a drop-in space, Solid has outreach teams that walk along Victoria streets distributing harm-reduction supplies twice daily, and encourage people to attend weekly support meetings.
One peer support worker says having a drop-in space and connecting with vulnerable people who have similar lived experiences is an important first step to healing.
"We have support groups here every day and a way for people to give back by being on our daily street outreach team," said peer support worker Jerry Majalahti in a statement.
"But it all starts with a coffee and a warm, welcoming spot to sit for a few minutes and talk with friends and support staff," he said. "Having peer staff here that people can relate to and talk to is where real community and health starts."
The Solid Outreach Society drop-in space is located at 1056 North Park St.
Harm reduction supplies, naloxone use training, drug checking services and other health supports can be accessed at the drop-in site.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.