The Salvation Army says it could be “a few weeks” before it’s able to operate out of main office in Gibsons following a fire last Wednesday.
There were no injuries, but some smoke and water damage, after a fire broke out around 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at the building at 682 Gibsons Way, which also has other commercial tenants as well as several apartments on the upper floor.
In an update on its Facebook page Oct. 29, the Sunshine Coast Salvation Army thanked people for “the many expressions of prayer and support.”
Ministry director Darrell Pilgrim told Coast Reporter that much of the tinned food they had is salvageable, but they’re still in need of food and cash donations to help re-stock the shelves.
Donations can be dropped off at the Gibsons Thrift Store location at the Kern's Plaza on Gibsons Way.
While they look for a temporary space, the Salvation Army food bank’s bread and produce line will operate out of the Christian Life Assembly church on School Road.
Pilgrim said people looking for more information on how to help can still call them at (604) 886-3665 or e mail [email protected]
Gibsons Fire Chief Rob Michael said the Oct. 23 fire started in the chapel area of the Salvation Army’s unit and the cause is still under investigation. An electrical issue is suspected.
Although the fire damage has disrupted the Salvation Army’s operation, the residents of the building’s upper-floor apartments were all able to return home that night.
The fire is also complicating efforts to set up a winter season shelter for the homeless in Gibsons.
Typically, BC Housing funds seasonal shelters from Nov. 1 to March 31, and the Salvation Army had been under consideration as the location for Gibsons.
BC Housing told Coast Reporter last week, before the fire, that it was “working with RainCity Housing and community partners to identify and operate a temporary winter shelter solution for the community,” but the agency was not prepared to confirm a location or expected opening date.
On Monday, BC Housing said it had nothing new to add about the shelter status at this point.
