Freedom’s Door: A local cause worth supporting

The following is an invitation I could not refuse. “It has been a long time since we have had contact. I am writing to see if you would like to do an article on seniors volunteering at Freedom’s Door (recovery home for addicts) and how this keeps them vibrant and healthy. It is the old line, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’

“In this case the giving is to the most vulnerable in our community. Our clients suffer from addictions and mental health issues. We own five duplex homes and house 50 men in a long term program of recovery. We have many senior volunteers who come in each day to help cook, drive for appointments. grocery shop, teach, (etc.). If this is of interest we could meet, maybe at Freedom’s Door for lunch, and you could speak to some clients and volunteers. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about this Freedom’s Door program because, like so many seniors, I have been wringing my hands for years at the lack of support in our community for people who are homeless and living on the streets.

So many of us have stood helpless while the number of citizens who need food, shelter and treatment has grown exponentially.

I am aware of the Salvation Army and the Gospel Mission services that provide for those most needy. And I know our church community is very generous with outreach programs and contributions. It just always seemed to me that while homelessness grew, the efforts to solve the problem were without any vision or long term planning.

Now, I have just returned from lunch at Freedom’s Door. I am inspired by what I learned in this the attractive neighborhood facility. The meals are served family style and attendance is mandatory. I met clients and volunteers who were very open and friendly. Some spoke about growing up in a world of alcoholism and abuse while others discussed the bridge traffic they encountered on their way to assist in the preparation of food for dinner.

House rules are similar to the ones we grew up with. Everyone is expected to be up, showered, and ready to contribute to maintenance of the facility, the surroundings and garden. There are scheduled activities, counselling (group and one on one) and programs similar to the model of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous presented on a 24/7 basis.

This is the long-term program we have all known is the best solution to a problem that only perpetuates itself when sick and addicted souls are returned to the streets after hospitalization or jail.

Freedom’s Door is dedicated to recovery in the long term. Fifty men are cared for year round and the waiting list is long. The year -end review provides statistics that are impressive. There are records to support the number of men admitted into the program, the 18,250 bed nights provided, the 54,000 meals served, the 3,500 plus hours of volunteer services provided and the number of families reunited and (best of all) the employment opportunities achieved for men who were unemployable prior to the program.

Freedom’s Door is the result of the Resurrection Recovery Resource Society, which was created in 2002. Local businessmen (you would recognize some of their names) stepped up to deal with the growing heartache of the poor, the addicted and the mentally challenged. Approximately 75 per cent of clients suffer from severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Today’s men agree to stay for a lengthy period of time and the results have proven positive for many.

Presently the non profit society has been recognized as the ‘volunteer organization of the year’ and is planning to construct a 52-unit apartment building to house the 70 per cent of the homeless population males between 25 and 64 years of age. The preliminary stage drawings for the property at the corner of McCurdy and Rutland Road are subject to city council approval.

Meetings have been held with the closest neighbours and a complete package has gone to the Planning Department of the City of Kelowna with zoning and development considerations. Construction is anticipated to commence within the year and completion is set for 2019.

I left my lunch, my tour and my introductory overview inspired. I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for this opportunity to actually support a concept to put our city on the map as home to one of the largest recovery homes in B.C. I just sent a cheque and I hope you will, too. You can help build Freedom House campaign and learn more by contacting Tom Smithwick, campaign co-ordinator and director, by phone at 250-864-7170 or by email at buildfreedomhouse@gmail.com

Blessings to all those working on the build Freedom House campaign. Count me in.

Jeanette Dunagan is an Okanagan artist who has lived in Kelowna for more than 40 years. Her column appears every second week in the Okanagan Weekend. Email: jd2399@telus.net.