Cook Training Program seeks partners

From the desk of Karen O’Shannacery, Executive Director

Letter of Success

Homeless Action Week 2008

In The Community

Letter from a Volunteer – Extreme Weather Shelter

Extreme Weather Shelters

Hi all – the grim news of the woman in the West End dying in a fire was certainly very sad.  She was attempting to keep herself warm with candles and wood in her shopping cart.  There is much speculation about why she didn’t go to a shelter, but the one that seems to be getting the most attention is that many shelters don’t permit shopping carts.  We know that the carts represent all the worldly goods of the individual, and while others may consider it junk, it can be a person’s treasure.  I, for one, have stuff I treasure that others would consider junk!

I write to commend our shelters for taking in the carts, pets, and odds and sods that people bring with them, in order to get people off the street.  It is a challenge to staff, and time consuming at times to run back and forth to the parking area or wherever it is that you’ve parked the carts.  I’m proud that Lookout is an agency that doesn’t force people to choose between the street and their belongings.  Thanks staff, for all you do to keep to our minimal barrier mandate!

- Karen