Councillors embrace new plan to help those in need

By moving a short distance up the road, a local church group will be better able to help struggling members of the community.

Councillors approved an official plan and zoning bylaw amendment request at the May 25 council meeting that paves the way for the Embrace Centre to move to a new location at 240 Jarvis Street.

Its previous home at 14 Jarvis Street offered a drop-in centre for visitors and a safe refuge where they could receive personal items, a meal or simply a place to relax and have a discussion. Many of the visitors are facing “unknown and sometimes unbelievable challenges in their lives,” said Bill Thomas, reverend at St. John’s United Church, which operates the centre.

“We strive to welcome all members of the community regardless of any barriers that may be presented to them in any way, shape or form,” he said, calling 240 Jarvis Street an opportunity and a challenge.

But with the official plan and zoning bylaw amendments approved, some of the major challenges have been overcome. There was virtually no opposition to their proposal during the planning process, town staff said. Two residents expressed some concern early on, but withdrew their concerns and lent their support to the project.

The support offered a reminder of Fort Erie’s caring nature, councillors said.

“This community provides love, respect, and kindness. And this shows it,” said Councillor Joan Christensen.

The Embrace Center opened in 2018 and had a successful start. However, restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic meant they had to shut down for a while.

When they reopened, things were different.

“Once we reopened we saw our numbers escalate, and escalate quickly,” Thomas said.

Its Tuesday afternoon lunch program, for instance, went from an average of around 35 people visiting each week and picking up meals that would likely serve a total of around 50 people.

More recently, they’re routinely seeing 70 people a week, and as many as 85, with Thomas saying those visits represent meals for about 130 or 140 people when including children and spouses.

The increase in visits led the group to start looking for new locations. Thomas said they believe the new location at 240 Jarvis Street will meet the increased need.

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