This is a note to newcomers — and a reminder to old-timers — of what the community of Parksville and surroundings is:
• One which initiated a thrift shop, Meals-On-Wheels, Homemakers, and a special Christmas gift program for low-income families in the late ‘60s;
• One which opened a soup kitchen and a food bank;
• One which provided safe haven in individuals’ homes for victims of domestic violence, and subsequently a permanent safe house;
• One which welcomes intellectually-challenged individuals on their paper routes;
• One which provides a drop-in centre and programming for those with mental health issues;
• One which offers a light lunch, health advice, and clothes at a Sat. am location; and
• One which has housed more than 50 individuals in three years with support from a dedicated worker.
May this also be a community that welcomes the new supportive housing and shelter project, which has been researched for many years, funded by the provincial government, endorsed by city council, and will be managed by a society which realizes the value of the “Housing First” model in dealing with many kinds of personal issues, by individuals of all ages and stages.
M.L. Paterson
Parksville