Oceanside Community Church (1420 Alberni Hwy) is opening its doors as an overnight extreme weather shelter for the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
In a press release, the church said things are “being put together very quickly and last minute in order to respond to urgent need” and that the initiative is in co-operation with OHEARTS and BC Housing.
The shelter will be open Monday, Dec. 27 to Monday, Jan. 3, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Provided will be dinner, a cot, washroom facilities, some supplies, breakfast and a to-go lunch.
READ MORE: BC Housing partners with OHEARTS to provide 25 temporary shelter spaces in Parksville
Members of the public can help in the following ways:
• In-person volunteer: The main time to volunteer is during meal prep (approximately 4 p.m. at the church). Masks required for all volunteers. Please contact organizer Perry (pbroe69@hotmail.com or 250-92702717) before showing up to ensure times and that help is needed.
• Food: Home-baked goods and some other food items are needed or accepted.
• Other items: Please send inquiries to see if other items are needed. Please verify your item is needed before donating.
• Give: Visit https://oceansidecc.ca/give
For more information, visit: www.oceansidecommunitychurch.ca/blog/cold-weather-shelter.
— NEWS Staff, submitted