A local non-profit organization has been able to reach more of those in need, with wheels on the road, and now they are expanding.
Souls Harbour Rescue mission is adding two more vehicles to its Souls Mobile initiative.
What is it?
It’s a retired ambulance that is equipped with essentials for those living outside like hygiene products, snacks, shoes and clean socks and brings them directly to encampments.
CEO Michelle Porter tells us the project started with a dream, and it is going really well.
“Our staff love it. The response from the encampments has been phenomenal.”
Help from the city
When Souls Harbour first began the project in the summer, they were approached by the city, who was interested in doing something similar.
Porter says when that happened, she couldn’t believe it.
“When we first started with the mobile mission, we met with someone at the city because they had heard we were doing it, but they were also interested. So, we said at that time, ‘when you get into that, will you let us know. We’d love a chance to be considered.’ And so, they did.”
She says, since then, the city reached out, liked their proposal and awarded them the tender.
Now, they are able to add two minivans to their fleet.
What do the unhoused need?
In addition to the basics, now that we are entering colder months, people living outside need supplies to keep them warm.
Porter says to think about it as winter camping.
“Subzero sleeping bags and good tents that aren’t going to blow away in the wind. They need things like hot pockets and of course they just need some easy food that does not require cooking.”
She says flashlights are also on the list.
More than just supplies
The mobile mission not only provides essential products, but it acts as a navigator as well.
Porter says they meet the urgent needs of people and put in a lot of time.
“I know that they are going for hours a day. They’ve done some crisis diversion with the police. They’ve been able to bring someone out of their tent into their own home.”
She says it’s about meeting the urgent needs of people and then finding out the root cause.
“Why are you out here? Do you want to be? Do you need a house? And then we look at the By Name list…we make sure we get them into the system so they can get on a waiting list.”
Expanding hours
The Souls Mobile will now be on the road seven days a week and also through the evening.
Porter says the extended hours will be from 4 p.m. to midnight.
“We’ll be out there, you know, when everything else is closed. Then also on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, which is a new thing for us.”
The two new vans are getting leased and will require a couple of new hires.
Porter thanks Nova Scotians for continuing to get donations in, even with the postal strike.
“It just seems people have faith in us, and we’ve got a lot of great support out there.”
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