Safe House soon a reality.
Women and children in crisis will soon have a place to turn to.
A safe house is coming to the Oliver/Osoyoos area, and coordinator Tina Wallner said the facility should be operational by mid-November.
We've been trying to advocate the needs of women and children in the rural areas for some time, Wallner said.
The nearest safe house is in Penticton, and for some women, that's not an option. Many women are reluctant to leave their communities and the support network they have there.rnWallner also explained that some women do not have transportation to their jobs in Osoyoos or Oliver, and others do not want to further traumatize their children by pulling them out of school.
When the house is completed, it will be able to provide service for one woman and up to four children.
This house will be a crisis-intervention facility, where the maximum stay is between three to five days. If a woman requires a long-term stay, we can refer her to a more permanent location elsewhere.rnWallner said the ultimate goal is to build a network of safe houses in the South Okanagan.
Right now we are hiring support workers, which are paid positions, and looking for donations to complete the house, Wallner said.
She said two employees have already been hired and she is trying to find four more.
They are also looking for financial donations and in-kind donations of the following items:rnBunk beds, a fold-up play pen, diapers, case lots of non-perishable food items, dishes, an ironing board, four kitchen chairs, a T.V. and VCR, kids' movies, crayons/games for children, kitchen towels and utensils, a can opener, a locking bathroom cupboard, towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, personal care kits, nice wall pictures, two outside chairs and a small outside table, lamps, a vacuum, cleaning products and a storage unit.
Wallner said the Oliver/Osoyoos safe house will provide 24-hour service and a 1-800 number/crisis line, will also be set up.
It is important to let women know that they do not necessarily have to report to the RCMP in order to access the service, Wallner said.
When talking to women, we will discuss her options, and if she chooses to leave an abusive relationship, we will help her tap into services like legal aid, medical assistance, BC Housing and Child and Family Services.
We are also in partnership with Transition House in Penticton and have a reciprocal relationship with them in supplying some of the women's needs, Wallner added.
Anyone able to donate or those who wish to do some support work can contact Wallner at 495-4099.
