Street Ties Youth Outreach workers are still looking for a new location for their drop-in centre, a month and a half after a fire gutted their building, the Red Deer Native Friendship Society office, and some apartments.
When the centre at 4712 51st Ave. was open, it served 25 to 30 youths, giving them access to computers, a bathroom, a shower, laundry facilities and programs. The centre is a Parkland Youth Homes program for high risk and homeless youth.
Program co-ordinator Gillian Schultz and outreach worker Brittney Gross have been meeting up with the drop-in clients at the skate park, in the downtown parks and the soup kitchen.
Schultz said it’s essential the drop-in centre is in the downtown core, because the young people need it close to where they are living. Even though they don’t have a site yet, Schultz said the centre could use couches, chairs and desks for computers. Clothing and personal hygiene supplies are also needed.
A fundraiser for Street Ties Youth Outreach is set for today at 4935 51 Street, outside of Potter’s Hands Ministry. The barbecue, organized by Service Canada Centre for Youth, is taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A burger, pop and chips will cost $5.
Anyone with items or monetary donations for Street Ties Youth Outreach 403-340-8995.
sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com