by Kate
Client count: 18
Jane and I began by meeting at 11th Ave and Spruce Street and proceeding to St. Philip’s to collect packages, sleeping bags, and miscellaneous food stuffs and toiletries. We then proceeded to 10th and Sasamat to see if anyone was about. I thought I saw D, but if so he must have moved on before we got out of the car because when we reached the benches, no one in need was there and we did not hand out any goods at that location.
Then Jane drove us to St. Helen’s, where we did not see B, but left him a package by his bedroll.
At the fence, T, M and D were in high spirits, and each took a package, as well as water bottles and t-shirts and underpants. T changed into his fresh underpants right away.
At 4th and Vine we loaded the cart and first saw two individuals with a collection of belongings at the McDonald’s. We did not speak to them then and proceeded to P’s corner, and P accepted a package and sandwich, and t-shirt, and Jane purchased a magazine. Then we spotted a man at the eating area beside the Whole Foods. T is his name and he gratefully accepted a package and food, and told us that he was homeless but waiting to hear from Housing BC about finding a place inside.
Across 4th Ave. in front of the Shopper’s was an older man named M sitting on the ground with no belongings and eating a McDonald’s sundae. He accepted a package, food, t-shirt and socks. Also in front of the Shopper’s was T, who took a package and food and socks.
Walking back towards the car, Jane noticed that the couple was still in front of the McDonald’s and made contact. Their names are M and L, but we only spoke with M who told us that he and L have a place Downtown. They took two packages and food.
Then Jane drove us down 4th towards Granville, and we visually inspected the underpass, park, and adjacent alleyways from the vehicle, but saw no one. We then proceeded to the Granville and Broadway area and Jane parked at Granville between 12th and 13th. We saw G in front of the Shoppers straight away and he accepted only a sandwich from Jane.
We then walked down Granville towards Broadway and decided to loop around the South East side of the block behind the VPL and look around at the Circle K, where we ran into B and R, who each took a package and food and socks. We then walked Southwards down Hemlock and looped back towards the park behind the VSB, where I approached a woman sitting on a bench with a backpack of belongings. Her name is E, and she took a package and food. We were then approached by J, who asked us about the whereabouts of S and R, whom we had not seen that day, but whom I had seen around earlier in the week. J was excited to receive one of each items we had with us: sweatpants, t-shirt, package, food. While we were talking with E and J, and explaining the information card, we spotted a couple taking shade under a golf umbrella and tarps on the grass of the park on the West side. We approached them carefully and asked if they needed food. They replied that they did need food, and clothes, and so we handed out what we had; packages for both, sweatpants and t-shirts for both, water and toiletries. Their names are J(sp?) and C. J was fussing over C, and said he was suffering from neck pain due to sleeping in an awkward position, but I caught a glimpse of C’s face and the left side was swollen and the left eye completely shut.
We then returned to the car, drove a little way to a side street and stopped to give water to Penny the dog and at the same time make a quick inventory of our dwindling supplies. We ascertained that at that point we had given out all the packages, but that we still had sandwiches, clothes, water and food for St, and hoped that it would be enough.
Jane drove us down Broadway, and we looked for anyone, especially at the Safeway at MacDonald, but saw no one until we spied St in front of the Shopper’s on Broadway. St seemed the worse for the heat and in down spirits, but he accepted what food and clothing we had without rancor.
With no packets to return to St. Philips, Jane dropped me off at Broadway and Fir as I had an errand to do, and that was our day!
Thanks to all our donors who make this ministry possible!