FORT MCMURRAY (660 NEWS) — For the last 15 years Centre of Hope has served people experiencing homelessness in Fort McMurray. Providing meals, showers, laundry services, and other resources — the centre says they help between 65 and 70 people a day.
Rosie Keating is the executive director of Centre of Hope, she says that they have made changes to their centre to ensure they can continue helping the same amount of patrons during the pandemic.
“We actually moved to Marshall House back in April, and a lot of that move was due to COVID,” she explained, adding they didn’t want to operate with reduced numbers.
660’s Devon Banfield Speaks to Rosie Keating of Centre of Hope Fort McMurray
my mcmurray -- banfield -- centre of hope report
The centre provides a variety of services and programs. Some of those include homelessness prevention programs, resources for people suffering from addictions and mental health problems, as well as help for people applying for work. Outreach services are also available at Centre of Hope.
“Our outreach workers provide things like access to the foodbank, help with applications and resume building, and things like that. We also have a mental services worker at the drop-in centre,” says Keating.
The organization is currently running their “Subzero Campaign” wrapping up at the end of next month.
Anchorage properties to serve as resource hub for homeless
Big Brothers Big Sisters are making big strides
They’re asking for donations of warm clothes like hats, gloves, jackets, and sweaters to support people experiencing homeless this winter. Keating says they’re also looking for donations of non-perishable food items like pasta, canned goods, and pre-packaged snacks.
They accept donations of food and clothing at Centre of Hope’s location at Marshall House, and monetary donations to the centre can be made on their website. Keating says that under normal circumstances the organization is always looking for volunteers, but they aren’t accepting any applications for new help during the pandemic.
