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Out of Crisis Comes Collaboration

Out of Crisis Comes Collaboration

Out of Crisis Comes Collaboration.

When Phoenix Society chief executive officer, Keir Macdonald, and Fraserside Community Services Society Chief Executive Officer, Lynda Edmonds, connected about the impacts of COVID-19 on their respective clients, Lynda mentioned that there were concerns about the persons served at Peterson Place in Surrey. The meal program that most residents accessed had closed and Lynda was concerned about their food security. Peterson Place provides low barrier housing for 38 adults (singles and couples; no children) who are at risk of homelessness.

Right away Keir offered to help with meals for the Peterson Place residents. Phoenix Society executive chef, Prem Singh and his team, now prepare, package, and deliver 50 meals 3 times a week to Peterson place residents. Although Phoenix had never prepared meals for community before, they do operate a commercial kitchen serving their own clients roughly 250 meals a day, within days this new program was up and running.

According to Peterson Place site supervisor:

“The meal program is a smashing success. Everyone is so thankful. The meals are gourmet and nutritious and Prem is wonderful to work with.”

“We wanted to support the Surrey community but just didn’t know how best to do this. In speaking with Lynda it immediately became clear this is what we needed to do. Our collaboration is now helping to meet the nutrition needs of a very vulnerable population, whilst allowing them to remain safely in their own homes.”  Keir Macdonald, CEO Phoenix Society

Fraserside Community Services Society CEO Lynda Edmonds notes that Peterson Place is currently undergoing an expansion that will see an additional 38 new homes for people experiencing homelessness in the region. Once completed, the new BC Housing facility will include 24/7 support services, including access to Fraser Health clinical treatment, counselling, life skills and employment programming, as well as daily meals.

The Phoenix Society is dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. The Society responds to the needs of their clients across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley by offering an extensive continuum of care from outreach and harm reduction services to a diverse range of residential addiction treatment, housing and recovery supports.

Fraserside is a multi-service agency that supports people needing housing, seeking work, and/or living with developmental disabilities, mental health or substance use issues, or low income. Fraserside runs programs and facilities in New Westminster and neighbouring communities.

 

News Contact:

Keir Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 604.218.1946/ 604.587.6690