After 7 months of extensive renovations, the Howe Sound Women’s Centre has formally reopened the Squamish Drop In Centre at 38021 Third Avenue as of September 1, 2021.
When construction began in February 2021, the old centre was marred with concerns including a significantly leaking roof, HVAC issues, and the remnant damages of a recent sewer flood.
Additionally, rental suites on the second floor required extensive renovations and the HSWC was rapidly outgrowing the main floor space.
“Expanding our capacity to serve survivors of gender-based violence has been a strategic priority for HSWC for several years. With many staff working from home and a suitable temporary space identified, the time was right to begin a comprehensive renovation on the Squamish Drop-In Centre in order to ensure the Society continues to meet the needs of the community,” says Ashley Oakes, the Executive Director of Howe Sound Women’s Centre.
The renovation created staff space on the second floor including offices and a staff reflection space and staff kitchen while expanding the main floor and creating additional client spaces including crisis support rooms, children’s counselling space and a client kitchen and workshop space.
HSWC also intends to expand programming to include more workshops and group support to facilitate healing among survivors of trauma.
This renovation was made possible by incredible generosity from many donors including Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, and many individuals and families in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
On September 1, 2021, Elders, spirit workers, drummers and singers from Squamish Nation attended and spoke to the HSWC staff, volunteers and contractors who worked on the project in a moving ceremony prior to the society once again opening the doors at 38021 Third Avenue.
“Huy chexw to Joy McCullough, Alan Harry, Natalie Fisher, Anthony Joseph, Charlene Williams, Virginia Johnson, Deanna Lewis and Joyce Williams for helping us open the centre in this good way,” Oakes added.
