Vulnerable people in downtown Prince George ask Justin Trudeau to save the only place they feel welcome

A change to federal funding means a drop-in centre for vulnerable people in downtown Prince George could be shutting its doors in 2018.

Billed as a "cultural drop-in centre", the Fire Pit was opened in 1992 in response to the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout Indigenous communities in northern B.C.

It operates as a street-level outreach and support program for people susceptible to the disease, many of whom are Indigenous. The Fire Pit goes beyond education, providing daily meals and helping connect its clients with cultural practices, such as potlatches.

"We see that when people have that connection that they're less likely to be at risk," explained Vanessa West, executive director of Positive Living North, which runs the Fire Pit. 

"They're connecting back to their roots."

'They gave me hope'

West estimates between 100 and 200 people come to the Fire Pit every day. One regular visitor is Lisa Bolton, who arrived in Prince George from Terrace three years ago. 

"I was kind of a mess when I showed up here," she said, explaining she was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

"They helped me get some furniture. They helped me just feel better about myself. They gave me hope."

Bolton said the centre also connected to her to traditional practices she didn't grow up with and has given her a sense of community.

"Like one of our older elders, he just got hearing aids. I got to see him when he came in for the first time to be able to hear, and he's 90 years old! Those kind of stuff are important to me. It keeps me connected."

"I don't know what will happen to me and all these other people, if this place shuts down."

Another regular is Bill Baker, who both volunteers his time and takes advantage of the services the Fire Pit offers.

"Right now me and my son are living on about $150 a month to feed and clothe ourselves," he said. "Two weeks into the month, this is what we rely on ... this is how my son eats."

Baker also credits the Fire Pit with helping him turn his life around.

"I hate to dread where I would be," said Baker. "I used to have a rough life when I was younger. I was in trouble with the law. I changed my life. Without a place like this ... we're going to be right back to square one."

Targeted funding

For years, the Fire Pit has relied on money from the Public Health Agency of Canada, but in October was one of dozens of organizations throughout Canada to be informed that it would no longer be funded as the agency refocuses how it funds HIV prevention programs.

The federal government has agreed to provide transitional funding until the end of March 2018.

In the meantime, the people who use the Fire Pit have taken it upon themselves to tell the federal government how important the space is to them. Volunteers are videotaping testimonials from regular users, and others clients like Baker have written letters directly to the prime minister, asking him to come visit.

West says seeing the support from her clients has hardened her resolve to find a way to keep the Fire Pit open.

"We have patrons here that are literally in survival mode," she said. "So many of our members are facing immense social barriers, but they are taking time to try and save this program."

"That gives me motivation to find funding to keep our doors open."

To hear clients talk about what the Fire Pit means to them, click on the audio labeled 'Vulnerable people ask Justin Trudeau to save the only place they feel welcome.'

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