Group that helps homeless has van stolen, vandalized
A Surrey-based outreach organization is reeling after its cargo van was stolen and then badly vandalized.
The multi-use van owned by NightShift Street Ministries was stolen Friday and recovered over the weekend.
The organization’s founder, MaryAnne Connor, said the vehicle is likely a complete writeoff and not having the cargo van will impair their services to the homeless and hurting in the Whalley area of Surrey.
Connor said they use the van to help pick up and distribute blankets, food, clothing and other personal care items to those living on the street.
“We are more than a soup kitchen, we offer counselling and emergency services,” she added.
Connor said they are a bare-bones operation and can’t afford to purchase another vehicle to replace the cargo van.
She is hoping people can either donate money or a vehicle to help them continue their outreach services.
“I think there are people out there who can help,” she said.
Despite the recovery of the vehicle on Saturday, Connor said the police still have the van and are fingerprinting it to see if they can track down those responsible.
But she has been advised the van likely will not be roadworthy and Connor believes they will not get much from the insurance claim on the 10-year-old vehicle.
“In the meantime we’re limping. Daily pickups are stalling,” Connor wrote on the NightShift website.
“As a not-for-profit society, NightShift operates entirely without government subsidies, so we run on a tight budget.
“It’s pretty heartbreaking when the fundraising we pursue to provide programs for people hurting and lonely, living in poverty or without a roof, has to be rerouted to repairing damages or replacing the wheels to support those services.”
To help, go to the website at: nightshiftministries.org/withoutwheels-into-the-new-year