To the editor:
Re: "Parties call for women's shelter funding," Oct. 21.
First United Church has been the subject of much controversy over the last several months, mostly related to the safety of people using our refuge in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Most recently, a piece in the Courier pointed to First United Church's "failure to address problems that would make the shelter safer."
We at First United Church whole-heartedly support for the call for funding for women's shelters-the need is real and immediate.
First United Church has taken many steps to ensure the safety of our community members. Since opening overnight, we have provided a women's only area. This area is always staffed by women. We have a full bank of security cameras monitoring the health and safety of everyone in the building. We ensure critical incident reports are filed for every incident of violence or abuse.
Our staff is trained in non-violent crisis intervention and first aid, and are able to deal with the most challenging behaviours. There is no question women face the threat of assault in the Downtown Eastside, where issues of mental health and addictions create additional hazards for vulnerable women.
We know the Downtown Eastside's most vulnerable women are safer inside our church walls than they are in Vancouver's streets and back alleys. Some of the women in our building have been barred from the very organizations that have publicly criticized us. While many of our members are women who refuse to use women-only shelters.
Ultimately, we are judged by those who use our facilities. Many people find safety here and are nourished here. They can take a shower, store their belongings and perhaps find some acceptance and community here.
We continue to offer our support, guidance and church as a refuge for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Sandra Severs, deputy executive minister, First United Church, Vancouver
