“I used to use these services four years ago, I was struggling in active addiction. Since then I’ve reclaimed my life, I’ve gotten my children back, and people need to see that,” he said.

Sarasin and his coworker Katherine Francis are the new Pandora corridor caretakers. It’s a pilot project run by SOLID Outreach in partnership with the City of Victoria and funded with a $125,000 grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Interview video and more information in the link below.

2023 – Pandora Avenue ‘caretakers’ help noticeably transform troubled street (cheknews.ca)

“The opioid overdose epidemic has created a major strain on both public health and emergency response resources, and is beyond the capacity or scope for one agency or organization to effectively respond on its own. In response, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), Island Health, SOLID Outreach, and Lookout Housing and Health Society joined forces to develop an innovative model for a safe consumption site for the Greater Victoria area that integrates primary care, mental health substance use services, and supervised injection services all under one roof. ”

“For working together to eliminate obstacles to accessing live-saving supports and services, we award the Gold Apple in Collaborative Solutions to The Harbour Community Health and Wellness Centre.”

“The 13th Annual BC Health Care Awards Monday, June 24th, 2019.”