Homelessness, addiction, mental health and food insecurity are key issues in Surrey and across BC.

Part of the solution is to have facilities and programming that transitions people into recovery and permanent housing. The Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS) hosts four shelter locations that operate 24 hours/day. 

One of these four locations is the “Cove,” a shelter space that houses 42 people (14 women and 28 men). Of these guests 25% are fragile seniors, and 20% are indigenous. The facility provides hot showers, laundry, meals, overdose prevention, and community connection services.

The current building is unsightly for the neighbourhood. It has grey cinderblock walls, a dilapidated front awning, chain-link fence, and an asphalt yard space. Inside, staff capacity for health and support work is hampered by operational spaces that are not properly separated and result in interrupted workflows and a lack of privacy.

Guests attempt to seek shelter and security in the yard space, but it lacks sufficient facilities to protect them from the elements with limited resources to support most activities. The overall aesthetic does not help the guests feel a sense of hope or pride in themselves or environment as they strive to better their lives. There are overwhelming opportunities to make these spaces supportive of increased programming with aesthetics that reflect the positive work being done.