Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jul 2012
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Elaine O'Connor
Page: A22

CHILL ON WARM ZONE

Crisis: Lack of funds threatens drop-in centre

An Abbotsford drop-in centre for street-entrenched women will close in
September without new funding.

The Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley's Warm Zone program
saw its three-year federal funding end in March.

Since then, the society has been raiding its coffers, using $70,000 to
keep it afloat, but the money will dry up by fall. It's pleading with
the city and province to help keep its doors open for the 100-plus
women struggling with mental health issues, addictions, homelessness
and sex-trade work who use their services each month.

"Our goal is to find long-term sustained funding as well as a
permanent location," society executive director Dorothy Hanneveld said
Wednesday.

The program provides women with free showers, clothing, clean needles,
condoms and HIV tests, as well as assistance finding medical care,
housing and drug treatment referrals, plus meals.

Using a grant from Status of Women Canada, the centre opened in March
2009, running on a budget of $218,000 in 2011-12.

Hanneveld has had talks with the B.C. Ministry of Health, Mayor Bruce
Banman and city councillors, but with no commitment.

Centre co-ordinator Michele Giordano said that, if the Warm Zone is
shut, the effect will be immediate.

"All these women would spill out on the street. There will be an
impact on local residents, on businesses and an increased risk of
violence to these women," Giordano said, pointing to success stories
as proof of the need.

One woman who was a heroin- addicted sex worker living in her car and
ruled by an abusive pimp has - with the centre's support and referral
to housing and detox programs - overcome her addiction and trauma as a
sexual-abuse survivor. She is off heroin and methadone, back in
school, volunteering at the centre, pregnant and engaged to a new partner.

"I've heard women say, 'This is the best home away from no home I have
ever had,'" Giordano said.

"I don't know where I would be if this place was not here," client
Brigitte M. said in a testimonial.

Julia Gully, a representative for some centre clients, complained that
the city could fund hockey teams and golf courses, but not at-risk
women's programs.
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MAP posted-by: Matt