CALGARY — A mobile safe haven for youth living on the street is benefitting from a $40,000 upgrade.
The new Streetlight Mobile Drop-in Centre has been refurbished inside and outside.
The trailer is parked around Calgary three nights a week, offering homeless and at-risk youth food, temporary shelter and a chance to gather with friends and mentors.
Streetlight officials said the gratitude from their young clients has been overwhelming.
“Almost a sense of unbelief that we care enough to be here – not only once but …week in, week out,” said Allan Peters.
Client Shane Baton doesn’t have a home of his own, but at Streetlight, he has discovered the one place he belongs.
“They listened to people like me and others on the streets,” said Baton. “Streetlight has people who listen and show compassion …and they support you.”
The Mobile Drop-in Centre has been the one constant in his life that he can count on.
“(Streetlight workers) encouraged me to do better for myself, like a big brother, big sister kind of thing,” Baton said. “If I was in trouble, it was someone I (could) lean on.”
The $40,000 from the Building Trades of Alberta also allowed Streetlight to purchase a new tractor to help pull the mobile centre.
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