The need for sheltering in Victoria has never been greater. Sky high cost of living and low vacancy rates have left hundreds sheltering in parks and on the streets in our community, and for many there is nowhere else to go. In the winter of 2023 SOLID Outreach Society has opened its first seasonal shelter at the corner of Quadra and Mason Street in partnership with St. John the Divine. It may sound small but 30 mats means 30 people who aren’t out in the cold; 30 people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to food, harm reduction supports, and peer counselling. At SOLID we see this as an opportunity to strengthen our community by helping individuals to access healthcare, food, employment opportunities and hopefully find more suitable long-term housing solutions.
