Surrey Urban Mission Society

Thank you @urbanlending & @cleartrustmortgages for a wonderful evening and for the amazing donations.

If you’ve been around The Cove, The Olive Branch, or even SUMSplace back when we had drop-in meals, you’ve probably seen Craig’s smiling face reading a book or discussing life’s deep philosophies. Craig is one of the 25 SUMS guests moving into RainCity’s new supportive housing complex in Surrey. He is extremely excited to have some privacy, as he’s more of an introvert and hasn’t had this many roommates before. Craig is also eagerly looking forward to having his own space, ...a place to keep his books, his own shower, and some extra freedom when it comes to his routine. Craig wants to make sure that SUMS knows that he appreciates all the help they have been during his stay. He appreciates all of the connections he’s made and the stories he’s gotten to be a part of. Please keep those moving in your prayers, as this can be an anxious time full of change and uncertainty. We’re definitely going to miss the familiar faces of our friends who are moving out, but we are so excited to see where the future takes them.

Thankful Thursday We serve those in need 365 days a year.We do not close or shut down. It takes incredible people (staff, volunteers, donors etc.) and resources to ensure we keep going throughout the year. It also takes having simple things like toothbrushes, socks, underwear or bags of rice and pasta to get us through the year. Sometimes we do run out of these simple things that we all take for granted. Sometimes we do have to tell our guests that we don't have any under...wear, pants, or even a comb to give out and it's heartbreaking. That's why we are so grateful to everyone that has blessed us over the past few weeks with items that will keep us going throughout the year. Thank you so much this week to the wonderful PJ & our friends at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Anya & our friends at @ylsbc, St Bernadette Parish, Amani Minhas, Ram and his team, and @markfraczekleathergoods , Karen Chahal, and@dhillong_ ,@k__johal ,@tiwanag_

As Christmas Day nears, I wanted to once again thank each of you for helping make this Holiday Season special for our many Surrey Urban Mission guests. Here are... a few pictures to show how the past few days have gone. Words cannot express how proud I am of our community. Church friends, hockey community, neighbours, co-workers, friends through the years and so many more. Have a wonderful Christmas - please know you had an impact on some folks you may never meet. They were grateful and wanted you to know what this meant to them. See more

Thank you so much Diamond Delivery and First Canadian Messenger for helping us out for free. Without your help we wouldn’t have been able to transport all 15 pallets of water donated by Starbucks Canada to our shelters.

The simple things we take for granted like haircuts are not always a guaranteed option for our guests. But when they are, they make a world of a difference. Thank you Everest Barbers

Thankful Thursday Not even coronavirus or a broken arm can beat the kindness of good people. So many people have gone through so much this year. Many people have lost their jobs, have not been able to see their families and friends, have been isolated, have had health issues and so much more. Yet, those same people have continued to support us and have blessed us with their love and kindness.... One of our staff members bumped into an elderly couple that used to volunteer with us before the pandemic hit. The first things they wanted to know were how the staff and guests were doing and how they can help and support us to continue to do what we do. Incredible! Thank you to everyone for continuing to think of us even during your most difficult times. Thank you to the amazing Tricia Brown, Southridge School, Fraser Heights Secondary School, Mark Fraczek’s Leather Goods, Yoruba Social and Cultural Association Of BC.

Thankful Thursday Thank you to all our friends at Society of Saint Vincent Paul, Coastcapital Saving Bank, Frozen Mountain Software, Saint Bernadette Parish- Surrey and Amir and Friends. You have fed our guests, decorated our shelters to look amazing and you have blessed our guests with physical gifts as well as the gift of love.... Thank you so much for everything

We need your help! We'd love to be able to decorate for our guests this Christmas season but with our rapid expansion we need more decor. Your previously loved decorations could help brighten up someone's day.

We are so excited to launch the Olive branch and welcome guests in this week! It’s been such an incredible collaboration between an amazing staff team, the City of Surrey, BC Housing & Fraser Health. The opportunity to provide care and shelter for the homeless in Whalley is an honour.

Thank you Mani Amar and team for your donations today. 100 Jugs of milk and plastic gloves. We really appreciate all that you do Thank you from TCMG!

So thankful to have people stepping up during this pandemic. Khalsa Aid has been a huge support to us & it’s incredible to see the Queen acknowledge their hard work!! https://bc.ctvnews.ca//boosted-our-morale-queen-gives-roya

As we are now serving breakfast & lunch outside we’re going through a number of paper bags and cups. If you’re at the store & stumble across these items it would be such a blessing to us if you could donate a few. Thanks so much!

Are you looking for work? Do you love people? During the COVID-19 pandemic SUMS has put some important restrictions in place to protect our guests and staff but as this crisis continues we are still operating all shelters. We need shelter staff who are motivated, have a strong work ethic and are motivated to care well for people during this time while cleaning, cooking & serving. If this is you please send your resume to [email protected] and we’d love to set up an interview or answer any questions you may have #stillserving #employeesneeded #jesushandsandfeet

Meal services update: All meal services have now been moved outside as per the government restrictions to keep gatherings at less than 50 people. Due to dwindling food donations we are now only able to provide meals to those who are staying in our shelter or living outside. We will update immediately if this changes. We are still accepting clothing donations of packaged socks & underwear, clean coats & pants.

So grateful to have such great volunteers this holiday season. Thank you!

During this time of societal turmoil, Surrey Urban Mission is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our guests. Please keep us in your prayers as we make decisions and navigate through this time with our vulnerable guests who are not able to isolate in their homes. We will continue to update you on our services, policies & protocol as we aim to support the community to the best of our ability.

It’s always such an honour to participate in Toque Tuesday and so much fun to play a quick game of hockey...even in the snow...thank you so much for the incredible donations of hygiene products, boots & jackets. We are very grateful for the support of our community here in Whalley. https://www.surreynowleader.com//snowy-day-makes-for-perf/

As the snow can be an inconvenience for many of us it can be life threatening for many of the people we love who are living on the streets. Currently SUMS provides 92 shelter beds as well as having the opportunity to partner with both Nightshift Ministries & FRAFCA to allow for another 27 beds. It’s still not enough. Please keep our guests in your prayers!

So grateful to have such great volunteers this holiday season. Thank you!

It’s always incredible to see how people show love to others. Today Ruby & the team from Shergill Transport stopped by with 42 blankets & gift cards for the guests at the Cove. Thank you for your kindness.

Do you know someone with excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to resource services, and a heart for those in Whalley who are struggling with homelessness and addiction? We're looking to hire a full-time Community Connection worker and would love your help. Please apply through the indeed link below or send your resumee and cover letter to [email protected]. https://ca.indeed.com/jobs

A BIG thank-you to the team from Texcan, A Sonepar Company (Texcan Wire & Cable Specialists) who came and supported the mission today. Their attitude was infectious as they cooked, cleaned, and welcomed people in from the dreary outdoors! Thank you!

Want to receive our Fall newsletter & see what’s happening around SUMS? Copy this link into your browser or email us at [email protected] & we’ll make it happen https://mailchi.mp/231ab4b58647/fall-newsletter-1943719 This is Nevin on the move. Photo Credit: Nathan Stein

Welcome to the Cove shelter. With the help of the City of Surrey & BC Housing we’ve had the opportunity to open a brand new shelter with 14 female beds, 28 male beds, 5 shower facilities, laundry, 2 meals a day & a full-time Community Connection Worker. We are loving the chance to connect more with the people in the Whalley community & create a safe, loving environment!