Women’s Resource Society trying to keep up with demand

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The new year came with some changes at the Women’s Resource Society to keep up with the needs of clientele.

Lisa Jewell, Outreach & Housing Coordinator, says the Society is busier than ever.

“It’s a good thing that there are people available to help fill the gap because the need is going to be there no matter what,” says Jewell.

With the increase of COVID-19 cases in the region, the Society has had to change-up its delivery services. There is now a table outside the main entrance stocked with food, coffee, and tea. The table also has hot water for those to make Mr. Noodles.

“We’re still hitting like 275 people a week hitting the table; we cannot keep up.”

Currently, the Society isn’t bringing in volunteers to limit the number of people in the building.

“We really rely on those volunteers.  I have people that would like to come in and volunteer but I’m not letting them because some of them are seniors, some of them have connections or elderly parents living with them are at risk themselves for contracting the [COVID-19] virus.”

They’re also not able to accept any household items or clothing. However, Jewell says that people can still drop off financial donations and grocery store gift cards, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items.

The Society is still providing all services, including harm reduction supplies. At this time, Jewell says the Narcan kits at the Society “aren’t flying off the shelves like it was.”

She adds that it seems to come and go in waves. Harm reduction kits, however, are a very common item that is constantly requested.

The Society is one of the only organizations that serve every client.

“We don’t have a single person that is banned from our office. We don’t have a restriction list. We don’t have people who aren’t welcome here.”