Grace Inn Shelter celebrated its five year anniversary with an open house on Thursday.
Members of the public were able to tour the facility and learn about its programs and how it’s helped the vulnerable population.
Executive director of the shelter, Rob Crisp, says the goal of the open house was to break down any myths about homelessness one might have.
“People have a conception of what we do here, but we wanted to make sure they were on the same page we were,” Crisp told Quinte News.
“So once we invited people into our location and showed them what we do, they came back and said, we had no idea this is what you do at the shelter and they were blown out of the water.”
Marked along the walls of the interior of the building were buttons that would play an audio note explaining the area the person would be in and the history behind the organization.
A button within the shelter that will play audio explaining the area and the history behind it. December 5, 2024. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Timelines can also be found on each side of the male section of the shelter with one side showing the construction of the shelter and the other side showing the number of programs being offered over time.
Those at the open house also had the chance to see the beds and facilities being offered.
“When you’re able to take somebody and show them an actual bed space, and this is what your $35 is doing a month, they have such a feeling of satisfaction in their heart that they’re helping in the community,”
“Even though they might not be able to be here physically or they can’t schedule time to volunteer here, they can help with their finances, that’s why our community is so important to us.”
Construction timeline of Grace Inn Shelter and other supporting facilities. December 5, 2024. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Crisp says trying to solve the issue of homelessness is no easy task.
“I have been doing this since 1996, so I’m not a spring chicken,” Crisp joked.
“I’ve been from one end of the continent to the other. I’ve seen a lot. I don’t have all the answers or the solutions, but one thing I do have is a passion in my heart to help others that are in need and and all of our staff are of the same mindset.”
More about the shelter can be found at their website.
You can listen to the full interview with Rob Crisp below:
