What was once a dream to create a safe temporary place for people in need, is now almost a reality as the Strathmore Overnight Shelter is set to open on Tuesday, September 11.

“I am really happy. I can’t wait to get it open,” said Pastor Elizabeth Karp, the executive director. “It’s been lots, and lots of work, but I’ve had really, really good people around me in support helping, co-ordinating and with administration. I have a good board and it’s really a joint effort,” she said.

The hours of operation for the shelter will be from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.

“We will be giving a continental breakfast in the morning of toast and cereal and then we will send them off to the best of our ability with a bag lunch,” she explained.

In order to access the Overnight Shelter, individuals will need to call the number posted on the door, or that can also be found on the Strathmore Overnight Shelter website. The entrance to the shelter is separate from the Harvest Healing Centre Church, it is located on the east side of the facility by the porch, where individuals pass under an iron sign.

“People will have to call the number there that’s on the door, or on our website and say ‘I need into the shelter tonight.’ They will talk to me on the phone and then I will phone the person on-call who will meet them down at the shelter,” said Karp.

Karp explained that the process is in place because the shelter is run by volunteers.

“They have to call so I know they are in need and I can do a quick assessment. Then I can send who I need down there,” she explained.

“I have volunteers on-call for those nights if someone needs in,” she said.

“Obviously there will be extenuating circumstances as far as weather, but for the most part the maximum number of nights a person can stay is five nights,” she said.

The overnight shelter will be similar to a first-stop emergency-like shelter, she noted.

At maximum, there could be up to 10 people at the facility.