The Knox Board directed some of the funds from the Knox Easter Appeal to our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside Vancouver. Here is a letter from one of the front like shelter workers – talking about just how important your donations are.
Shelter Support worker Darian shares what it’s like to work on the Downtown Eastside during COVID-19
I’ve been a Shelter Resource Worker at First United for about two years now. I got into it because I wanted to help people, and I’ve never looked back. It’s not always easy being on the frontlines…but it’s always worth it.
Around the world, people are staying home to stay safe, and that’s really important. But it’s not possible to stay home when you don’t have housing, or when you depend on community meals to survive. That’s why it’s important for Frist United to keep their services running here in the Downtown Eastside. I’m here to serve this community because it feels like the right thing to do. I keep coming to work because I know I’m needed.
Frontline workers like me need your support so we can keep the Downtown Eastside community safe during COVID-19.
Right now, going to work is pretty intense. Some of our shelter residents feel worried. It’s even harder than usual to find permanent housing. The pandemic is putting stress on everybody. But we do the best we can. We wash our hands – over and over again. We spot-clean, we share information on how to stop the spread, and we show compassion and care — from a safe distance. And we keep doing all the work we did before this crisis. Because it’s still needed.
Thanks for being part of this community. Take good care.
Sincerely,
Darian A.
Shelter Support Worker
First United
P.S. I keep coming to work because I want to help people. And your support makes it possible.