A women91Ƶs support group in Kelowna has announced they are expanding services to include men in Kelowna and Vernon.
Previously Helping Out People Exploited (HOPE Outreach) has been providing support to at-risk, vulnerable, exploited and homeless women. In addition to support, the group provides basic supplies and when necessary, Narcan. Now, the group says they are doing so for men as well.
The group says they91Ƶre expanding services in reaction to 91Ƶstressful and uncertain times91Ƶ.
Their first men91Ƶs outreach shift is scheduled for tonight (Sept. 30).
For 12 years, HOPE Outreach has been supporting women, as the only night time outreach. Now, a second team will be expanding from its existing Narcan team to also serve Men91Ƶs Outreach.
They say this was made possible through a partnership with UBCO 4th year nursing students, as well as the university91Ƶs SHARP Team.
91ƵWe are truly 91Ƶall in this together91Ƶ, and no one should be without the basics of personal hygiene products, water, clothing and support,91Ƶ said the group in an email Sept. 30.
Each night, HOPE Outreach volunteers see about 50 to 60 individuals, in both Kelowna and Vernon. This number, they say, is growing daily.
Additionally, they say they will continue to provide life-saving Narcan to both men and women.
91ƵWith opioid-related deaths in BC now at the staggering rate of 175 per month, with 73 in the Okanagan so far this year, our team is needed as never before. There have been over 1000 related deaths to this crisis we face,91Ƶ said the group.
HOPE Outreach began in 2008 as a passion project by two Kelowna women. The program now includes Kelowna and Vernon and has trauma-informed, trained volunteers who go out to the streets nightly to bring basic supplies, personal hygiene products, comfort and support for those we serve.
The group encouraged the public to donate to the cause, if possible, at . Also, members of the public can donate their time to become a trained HOPE Outreach volunteer.
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