The Surrey Urban Mission is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner for over 200 guests facing homelessness, featuring a festive spread with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Janet Brown, the charity’s communication director, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring some joy and kindness to their guests during this holiday season.
The charity operates four shelters in Surrey, providing three daily meals to those in need. However, the Thanksgiving feast is a particularly special occasion where volunteers serve hot meals to guests in a sit-down setting, offering a sense of warmth and community.
Brown highlighted the growing issue of homelessness in Surrey, with the organization reaching full capacity every night and having to turn away individuals seeking shelter. She noted the alarming increase in homelessness in the area, emphasizing the need for more housing solutions to address the rising numbers.
Despite facing financial challenges, the Surrey Urban Mission continues its vital work thanks to support from BC Housing, the City of Surrey, and generous donors. The annual Thanksgiving meal, once open to the wider community, has now been scaled back to a bag meal program due to funding limitations.
As Surrey sees a steady influx of new residents each month, Brown stressed the urgent need for additional housing options, detox programs, and support services to help individuals transition out of homelessness and toward a brighter future.
Keyphrase: Surrey Urban Mission Thanksgiving