Emergency Operations Centre disbands; support committee ongoing
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
The longer term needs of former residents of the Kerr Apartment Building will continue to be met by the coordination of agencies and service providers in the city as the Emergency Operations Centre has been demobilized.
The EOC’s lifespan is intended to be relatively short in nature, explained Bill Macpherson, EOC spokesperson. They are established immediately following development of a situation to provide initial coordination and support.
“The longer term needs of residents, and coordination of agencies and service providers will continue through a committee that will assist residents while overseeing the disbursement of funds donated and raised, and work towards long term housing solutions,” he said in a release.
The committee is chaired by Allison Alder from Selkirk College and includes representatives from the City of Nelson, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the Red Cross, Nelson Community Services, Our Daily Bread, the Salvation Army, Stepping Stones and Selkirk College. The Kerr Apartments residents also have a representative on the committee.
In addition, the Red Cross will operate a Resiliency Centre at 903B Nelson Ave. for the next two weeks to help ascertain what former residents of the apartment will need, and liaise with other support agencies.
Kerr’s Apartments residents who have not signed up for a needs assessment are asked to do so by calling 1-800-661-3308 to set up an appointment.
Finding a home
Macpherson said the committee has found accommodation for two residents at Ward Street Place and one family has found a home in Castlegar.
Although finding accommodations for people is a priority for the committee, solutions are also being sought for school and work equipment and supplies, eyeglasses, prescriptions and other essentials lost by residents in the Jan. 6 fire.
Currently, 19 residents are occupying 14 units at the Villa Motel on a short term basis until the end of the month.
Making a difference
As long term housing is found, donations of furniture will be appreciated.
For now, those wishing to donate are asked to call the Salvation Army (352-3488) to provide details of what items they have available.
A list will be maintained, and as items are needed donours will be contacted and the items picked up and delivered.
The Salvation Army has opened a distribution centre in the old Movie Gallery space on Vernon Street to house the donations received so far. Fundraising efforts and donations have totaled upwards of $27,000, with more fundraising events planned by Selkirk College (Jan. 17 and 20) and Finley’s Irish Bar and Grill (Jan. 14).
And on the nourishment end
Kerr’s apartments residents are receiving a free breakfast at the Salvation Army and lunch and dinner at Our Daily Bread.
Supplemental snack items are in short supply however, and donations of this nature would be welcomed by staff and volunteers working there. Call 352-7700 to donate.
editor@thenelsondaily.com
