*OCT. 10, 2024 – SHARED WITH CV DEN SOCIETY VIA EMAIL. PLEASE NOTE THAT SLIGHT ALTERATIONS WERE MADE TO THIS DOCUMENT, SPECIFICALLY REMOVING NAMES OF TOWN STAFF*

Oct. 2, 2024

From: Nancy DeVuono

Interim Board Chairperson

On Behalf of: The Creston Valley Den Society Board and Members

To: Mayor Arnold DeBoon and Town Councillors and Town Staff

Via email to Kirsten.Dunbar@creston.ca

RE: Request for Proposal for Development of Municipal Property: 139 10^th Ave. N

Dear Mayor DeBoon,

Thank you for your letter of September 26, 2024 requesting more information from the Creston Valley Den Society regarding our application to establish a 24 hour Shelter for the Unhoused in the former Ambulance building at 139 10^th Ave N.

Please note that your questions are presented in italics below, followed by a detailed response for each. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

Needs Analysis

We request an estimate of the number of homeless individuals in the community, utilizing data from street counts, other agencies, food banks, healthcare providers, and municipal records. This analysis will aid in identifying the client group to be served and ensuring their needs are comprehensively understood. It will also inform the practical number of beds required and the types of programs and services a permanent shelter should offer. While we acknowledge the challenges in projecting shelter bed needs, this analysis need not be overly complex.

See BC Housing Research Center for information on how to conduct a “Point in Time” homeless count. In the Creston Valley Den Society Proposal we reference the Cranbrook 2023 Homeless Count (see p.13).
In Creston we estimate:
Approximately 12-15 community members living fully rough, outdoors in tents or vehicles, without access to heat or hygiene facilities. A portion of this group are senior citizens
We believe that between 30-50 individuals are couch surfing or precariously housed in unsafe living circumstances including abusive family relationships, substandard accommodation or coercive/transactional situations such as trading sex for shelter. Given the social shame and legal risks unhoused individuals and families face, it is difficult to definitively enumerate this population. A Canadian study from over 10 years ago estimated that for every counted homeless person there were 3.5 people invisibly homeless on any given night.
https://homelesshub.ca/resources/state-homeless-canada-2013/
All indications from municipal, provincial and national reports estimate that the number of unhoused or precariously housed will rise until housing accommodation catches up to the demand. According to an AI Algorithm recently employes, Canada’s unhoused population is likely to increase by 85% by 2030. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/here-s-how-many-people-will-be-at-risk-of-homelessness-by-2030-according-to-this-ai-1.6672410
In the CV Den Proposal we reference numbers from the Out of the Cold program from January to March, 2024. Five to 10 clients were served on any given night. Seventeen individuals were served in total (12 men and 5 women). Nine people were considered regulars (6 men and 3 women). Other community members living with barriers utilized the Den to have a meal, shower, or talk to staff. Our clients ranged in age from 19 to senior citizens (See Report to Town Council Out of the Cold Summary June 4, 2024)
Most of these individuals are either long term Creston residents or were born here
See CV Den Proposal p. 13 “The True Cost of Inaction”. We indicate that Cranbrook’s statistics are similar to the clientele of the former Den, with an even higher proportion in Creston being born within the community or having lived in the valley for many years.

Understandinq Unhoused People’s Needs

Recognizing the diverse needs among our unhoused population, we seek to understand the potential use of a permanent shelter or other services, such as single room occupancy (SRO) options. This information will guide us in determining the most suitable solutions for those currently unhoused in our community.

Ask any unhoused person… Everyone would like the dignity and privacy of independent housing. Perhaps in the future there will be more options for Creston folks living in poverty; volunteer groups similar to ours are working on that goal. A 24/7 shelter is only the starting point and serves as a transition into more sustainable housing and potentially more accessible social and medical assistance. When you have nothing, anything is something. We, like others in the social support and health sector believe “Housing First”. Shelter, food, and access to hygiene are the very minimal of human rights.
Our unhoused citizens need connection, a bridge, a service community that understands their needs and can form relationships. There is no easy way to plug an unsupported person into existing services and sending them to another town is not the answer and is not a supportable working model currently. While Creston does not have the resources of a regional center, we DO have many services that could be better used when a person’s housing is stable. Additionally, accessing regional and provincial services, such as income assistance, detox, subsidised housing, mental health counselling, seniors’ benefits, and medical care all, involve processes that require several steps, specific documentation and assistance from professionals.
Remember, overnight shelter programs offer people an opportunity for the most basic of supports that may move them forward to better health, emotional stability and medical and economic intervention and success. It is three times more likely that an individual can be moved from a shelter situation to subsidized and other housing than it is when they are fully on the street.
In reality, every community requires a range of housing options for all of its citizens. In the CV Den Proposal we list eight agencies that serve housing needs in Creston and oversee programs – from Affordable Housing, Supported or Group Housing, Women’s Shelter and Senior’s Housing (see p. 12 graphic and p. 13). None of these groups serve the unhoused. For various reasons, they were unable to take on this challenge. Over the past several years, Boards that oversee housing and social support programs in the community have discussed the pressing needs of the homeless in Creston, hoping that another agency would step in to help (see p. 4). There was a collective sigh of relief when the Out of the Cold program was instigated last winter and disappointment when it closed. To our knowledge, all of these groups are fully in support of the Creston Valley Den Society’s Shelter Proposal. (see p. 16 and Letters of Support p. 18-24). Note that not all agencies were able to provide letters within the short RFP time frame during summer hours. Both verbal and written support continues to be received by our Board.
There is no overnight Homeless Shelter in Creston for men, or women and youth who do not fit the criteria for support at the Women’s shelter. This is a serious detriment in a community of more than 5000 people. It creates risk and potential harm, not only to the unhoused individual but to their families, pets and possibly other community members. The lack of a well-run, safe overnight Shelter is a “gap in service” recognized by Creston’s medical, social and mental wellness staff and agencies. (see p. 18-26 Letters of Support).
Creston’s unhoused citizens are suffering from exposure, malnutrition, trauma, abuse – no matter what the weather. Similar to other communities in BC, the Creston unhoused have been disproportionately made up of minorities, ranging from Indigenous, queer youth, persons with disabilities, veterans and people surviving trauma, brain injury, mental illness, generational poverty and the associated substance use/addiction struggles which often accompany all of the above. (see p. 13). Virtually all of our “fully unhoused” citizens have at least one medical disability and all suffer from a complexity of trauma, disability and poverty.

“Housing First”

Location Review

We request information on whether the society has explored alternative locations or engaged with other organizations regarding potential shelter sites. Specifically, what were the outcomes of these site reviews? Did the society consult with the ministerial association or any churches to assess the suitability of their locations for an emergency shelter? What factors make the former fire hall location the ideal site?

When the Out of the Cold Den program ended, members of the Den Society had already been in search of alternative locations for a shelter. The Town of Creston had been clear from the start that the facility would only be available until March 31. Still, many throughout our community were disappointed that a fully-functioning shelter facility like the old Ambulance building would be shuttered on March 31, effectively releasing all of its clients, literally, onto the street and into the cold. The Den society of that time continued to explore other options with BC Housing and potential real estate options.
No viable spaces were found. Several buildings (former restaurants and business spaces) were investigated but no available options were suitable in terms of either location, size or condition according to our primary funder. There is a dearth of suitable real estate in Creston that is affordable, accessible, does not require substantial remediation and is not in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. No one needs to remind the Town what happened when they proposed, in all good faith, 1130 Canyon St as a possibility. In any case, that building was ultimately deemed unsuitable by The Den, BC Housing and Town Council.
Throughout the spring, additional buildings advertised for sale or rent were investigated (the old Saan Store, space below the Creston Valley Mall, the Artspace building, and several others). They either did not meet BC Housing criteria or the owners were not interested in renting/selling to the Den for a shelter. Of course we are all aware that no building we proposed would be appropriately zoned for a shelter (since there is no specific zoning for shelters).
No other community spaces (i.e. churches or halls) have been offered. Nor are any outfitted with kitchen, showers, washroom facilities and sleeping quarters like the original Den. To this point, the only church that has been actively supportive of the Den has been Trinity United. Still, we continue to reach out to the churches and the Ministerial Association to keep them informed of our activities as they certainly support the concept in principle of sheltering the unhoused.
When the Request for Proposals was advertised by the Town of Creston in late June we saw this as our best and only option for a shelter that could potentially be opened by November 1^st. Our small Interim Board gave up summer breaks and time with family to dedicate countless hours to researching, developing a proposal, communicating with BC Housing and reaching out to dozens of community agencies and partners for advice and support. We meticulously followed the guidelines, document structure and requirements of the Request for Proposal process (including adherence to confidentiality and No Lobbying) and submitted our proposal before the deadline of August 16.
Why is the former Ambulance Building – not Fire Hall – the ideal site?
See p. 8 of the CV Den Proposal for Facility Layout
The old Ambulance Building is ideally situated and constructed for a Homeless Shelter. It has kitchen/reception, washroom, shower, sleeping, storage and laundry facilities.
The Den/Out of the Cold was run very successfully in this location in the winter of 2024 (see Proposal p.4)
Neighbors of The Den/Out of the Cold are very supportive (see additional letters of support). Most did not even know there was a shelter in this building until it actually was closed. There were no conflicts or problems with neighbors, police, street traffic or passersby in the three months the Den was open
It is set back from the road, privately oriented and includes both front and back areas that can be utilized for parking and gathering behind proposed privacy screens
The back portion of the building could be used for overflow referrals from the women’s shelter, Ktunaxa agencies (see Letter of Support p. 20) and the Creston Valley Hospital.
The central bay provides additional storage and could potentially be shared with other community groups
The location is at a discreet distance from downtown businesses. The petition against the 1130 Canyon St location reflected a general desire to NOT have a shelter on the main street but there was agreement that a shelter was needed in Creston (anecdotal reference to Town Meeting, April 2024).
The zoning is Community Use and is surrounded by other community use/supportive housing facilities. If the Town so chooses, they could also assign a “Special Use Permit” to this building for up to three years. Also, a temporary emergency shelter under accessory use is both consistent with the Provincial mandates for housing and can be less cumbersome and/or discriminatory than zoning bylaws.
All of the amenities and services required by our unhoused individuals (thrift stores, social services, Service BC, etc are within a safe walking distance – note that some of our senior clients use electric scooters or walkers. See Proposal p.6 and 7 for map)
It is not near schools, daycares, women’s shelters, nor is it in a Residential zone.
This location meets all requirements of BC Housing, our intended funding partner.

Community & Stakeholders

Please provide details on community and stakeholder engagement efforts to date, including any concerns raised or support offered. This should encompass discussions with healthcare providers, the Chamber of Commerce, social service organizations, first responder agencies, and community groups such as the Lions and Rotary clubs.

Our Board conducted a tremendous amount of outreach during the summer and continues to do so. More than a dozen Letters of Support were collected in short order. Some organizations/businesses/agencies were supportive but could not write a letter since they would not be meeting again until September. Some had workplace restrictions regarding letters of support (this would include medical doctors and individual counsellors)
We communicated directly with the following by email, letter, phone call and/or in-person meeting and received verbal or written support from all, unless otherwise noted:
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (letter)
Mental Health, EK MHSU, (letter)
Lower Kootenay Band (letter)
Valley Community Services (letter)
Dr. J Chang Chief of Staff Creston Valley Hospital
Cresteramics (letter)
Valley Community Services (letter)
Trinity United Church (letter)
East Kootenay Addictions Services (letter)
Creston Public Library (letter)
Nicole Charlwood, BC Greens (letter)
Rita Scott, former chair of Community Housing (letter)
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Service (letter)
Images and Angles – business and neighbor (letter)
Michael Schulting, Balancing Rock Clinic, neighbor (letter)
Images and Angles, neighbor (text message)
Creston Valley Hospital – waiting for invitation to meeting
Creston Valley Community Housing
Brittny Anderson, MLA – active support
Creston Valley Food Bank/Gleaners – active support
Kootenai Community Center – active support
Royal Canadian Legion
Food Action Coalition
Ministerial Society (on October agenda)
RCMP Staff Sergeant Buliziak (neutral)
Holy Cross Catholic Church
The Dollar Store
Dr. Randy Grahn
Royal Bank of Canada
Harm Reduction Nurse, Jesse Berg (active outreach from Cranbrook)
Poverty Reduction, Julie Free (active outreach from Cranbrook)
Creston Fire Rescue (no response)
Rotary (many members supportive, waiting for invitation date for presentation)
Kootenay Employment Service (neutral)
Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce – waiting for September meeting
Mel Joy, President Chamber of Commerce – waiting for September meeting
MCFD (Cranbrook contact, no response)
Outreach to Shelters in surrounding communities (Nelson, Cranbrook, Castlegar, Trail)
Conversations and emails with former staff and Creston Valley Den Society members (both past and present)
Man on the street/grocery store conversations – overwhelming support from caring community. Since we were bound by RFP confidentiality restrictions, we simply told people we were “looking for a suitable location”. Inevitably Creston folks would say “Why don’t you just go back into the old Ambulance Building?”

Other Organizations

Has the society engaged with other supportive organizations, such as United Way or the Homeless Services Association of BC, regarding the establishment of a shelter? What supports do they offer in helping newly formed homeless shelters?

Yes, we have had communication with various supportive agencies. United Way, in particular was interested in working with us once the Shelter was approved and our project underway. We referred to our specific intention to form a sub-committee within our Den Society to explore funding and grant opportunities in our Proposal (see inserts, p. 11)
In addition, our practicum student was investigating grant opportunities for the possible extension of our Temporary Winter Shelter beyond March 31 had it been approved

Functional Program Review

We request information on whether BC Housing will fund and conduct a functional program review of the former fire hall building to ensure compliance with the BC Building Code for its proposed use.

BC Housing was fully aware and in support of our Proposal to lease the old Ambulance Building. We are not considering the former fire hall building. Had our proposal been accepted by Town Council, we would have complied with any assessments and reviews of the building required by BC Housing and/or requested by the Town of Creston. They had previously approved and conducted an in-person tour of the building when it was established as The Den (Out of the Cold).

Community Service Impact Assessment

Please provide insights into the potential impacts on community services, such as police, ambulance, or fire services. Are there any other implications for the community based on experiences from other operating shelters in different municipalities? What other existing community services would the shelter programming rely upon, such as existing counselling and advocacy services? Have there been discussions with any of these agencies regarding impacts to their services? Have other operating shelters offered suggestions on how the shelter operation can minimize community service impacts?

The primary impact on community is attitudinal and feelings-based not necessarily grounded in facts. We feel the Town is in a leadership position to assert human rights needs as these are not “both sides” arguments. Understand that since the spring there has been an active fear and hate campaign waged against the unhoused in the Kootenays (through both Social Media and campaigning). Historically, social standing has often dictated laws and zoning which led to red-lining, racial discrimination and opposition to group homes and social housing in general. We believe Creston has an opportunity to set a standard for compassion, tolerance, inclusion and fairness. These values align with your Official Community Plan.

Yes, we see a positive impact for the entire community through the establishment of a shelter in Creston.

While some Crestonites may worry that we “don’t have the services” and talk about potential burden on our law enforcement, health and social systems, in fact, the opposite is true. A specific service for the unhoused can take pressure off other services and systems. Being housed can help minimize interpersonal conflict, and engagement with bylaw and law enforcement. Supportive housing is not only the most humane response, it is the most social and economical intervention to chronic homelessness. Jail, institutionalization, more law enforcement, and hospitalisation all cost much more. Criminalising unhoused people is contrary to human and civil rights and also creates additional costs and backlog in the justice system.
All of our support agencies in Creston recognize the dire need to shelter the unhoused (see Letters of Support and other sections of this document). Shelter programs act as a liaison, a point of contact, a location with skilled and experienced staff and a necessary service for the unhoused. They bring in additional funding to a community through grants, donations and access to government programs that are otherwise inaccessible.
Regarding Police, Ambulance and Fire Service – the three month Out of the Cold program did not put any additional burden on services (based on our records and anecdotal confirmation from Staff Sergeant Buliziak). One ambulance call was related to a client’s diabetes. Fire service has been called over time to small fires lit in the area of the Den and other community buildings but there is no causal relationship with The Den and were more frequent once the Den was closed. Many individuals who are unhoused seek any method for keeping warm, no matter what the season -it’s cold at night. Petty theft and minor vandalism occur through desperation. When people are given a warm place to sleep, food, access to hygiene and supportive staff, demands on By-Law, police and emergency services tend to diminish. Without a Shelter, we see incidents where all of the Community Services are called on by local citizens and businesses – because they are worried or fearful about erratic behaviours, about where folks are sleeping, about vandalism occurring, or because they simply want someone to help an unhoused individual. They may call the police when it is not really a police matter. A Creston shelter with 24 hour staff would be a point of contact for help and intervention for businesses, emergency services and citizens.
The Den shelter had/would have its own protocols for safety. Security cameras, panic buttons, written safety protocols and outdoor lighting are all part of a shelter plan (see Proposal p.11) The old Ambulance building is in a private, discreet location and could easily be outfitted with additional privacy screens. It would be clean and maintained appropriately both inside and out.
Local businesses, churches and citizens would prefer not to see piles of clothing and huddled bodies on their sidewalks, in their doorways, lobbies and in their alleyways. This is surely stating the obvious. The human suffering and neglect playing out on our Creston streets should be unacceptable to any feeling person and should be remedied immediately by the Town of Creston with full support of all Community Services.

You did not ask about impact on the Creston Valley Hospital:

When there are no other options in a community, unhoused individuals tend to use emergency hospital services in a disproportionate way. They seek relief from the impacts of cold, heat, exposure, chronic pain, wounds that won’t heal, injuries from abuse and violence, malnutrition and substance abuse. They may ask for help with their prescription medications or getting into a Detox or Drug Rehabilitation program. Emergency room doctors and nurses are limited in their ability to help these individuals beyond the immediate presenting issue. With a local shelter as one more point of contact or means of supporting unhoused individuals, health professionals have another tool in their tool belt. Some of our volunteers have already acted as advocates to take folks to regular doctors’ appointments or assist them with an emergency.

“Housing is a Social Determinant of Health”

BC Housing Operational Commitment

The society proposes a “medium-barrier” 24/7 shelter. However, BC Housing ^ls public information indicates a preference for “low-barrier” shelters when only one exists in a community. Does the society have a commitment from BC Housing to fund a “mediumbarrier” shelter despite this guideline?

Our Proposal for the Den was for a medium-barrier shelter. BC Housing thoroughly reviewed and supported our proposal. They did not ask us to make it a low barrier shelter and that was not part of our staffing or operational plan. If you have any questions you may want to contact BC Housing directly.

Operational Plan, Staffinq, and Budget

We seek to understand the society^ls operational plan for providing services, including the types of programs to be offered. Additionally, what are the staffing and training requirements, and what is the anticipated operating budget and revenue plan to achieve a permanent shelter status? What alternative funding options exist in the event BC Housing does not fund a 24/7 shelter?

We believe it has been made clear to the Town of Creston, both staff and council, that the funding from BC Housing for a 24/7 Temporary Winter Shelter was tied to a September 13th deadline. That funding opportunity has been lost.
BC Housing has asked the Town of Creston to communicate directly with them, if council wishes to approve the Proposal at this time. Perhaps funding would still be available to be released.
Because BC Housing was offering to fully fund this 24/7 operation in Creston from November 1,2024 to March 31, 2025 (see Proposal p.3), we would have been approved for approximately $60,000 per month. This funding would have covered the cost of two full-time employees on site at all times, rent, food, utilities, security, equipment, etc.
Last year, the Den Society raised $30,000 in the space of one month. This incredible effort by the Den’s original founders and the amazing support from our small community covered the cost of initial expenses for the month of January. BC Housing stepped in to fund the shelter for the subsequent two months (see Proposal p.10). The Town of Creston provided the old Ambulance building for free. As an “Emergency Winter Shelter” (or Extreme Weather Response – EWR shelter), the Den was only open for the night-time hours, 7 pm to 9 am. (see p. 4, p. 10 and Summary of the Out of the Cold program presented by Karen Shannon to Town Council on June 4 for details).
We described our plans to seek additional sources of funding (see p 10) and had interest from other agencies such as The United Way, local organizations and individual caring citizens to help with fundraising in the long-term…had our Proposal to the Town of Creston been successful.
Regarding staffing and operational plans, see Phases and Timelines (p.9) as well as p.4, 5 and Management and Staffing Structure on p. 11. You will see that our plan was to hire an Operational Manager/ED initially, with staffing and operation decisions to follow. We would seek to hire individuals with a trauma-informed background in social work, healthcare, counselling and other related fields. Many previous workers in the Den had similar qualifications and would likely apply for positions in future. We have an excellent starting point in the successes and challenges experienced with Out of the Cold. We also have excellent connections through BC Housing and other established shelter programs to determine best practice in hiring and operations. Other services such as housing support, poverty reduction, counselling, wound care, addictions support, etc. will be much easier for clients to access since we will be providing a Point of Contact. A number of service providers both local and Regional have already started to liaise with us, even though we are simply doing volunteer outreach on the streets. We have already seen increased service to Creston. So much more could be done with an established facility and many more services would be accessible and enhanced in Creston.
Anyone working in the Social, Health, Counselling and Community Support fields understands the power of connection and networking. Our Board and staff would be part of community tables who dedicate themselves to supporting the vulnerable in our town. As has been pointed out by so many agencies and individuals in Creston – there is a huge gap in service for the unhoused. (see Letters of Support) So many of our citizens have been horrified by the conditions in which some of their neighbours are living. Many (including businesses and churches) give sustenance, temporary shelter and sympathy. They look around and wonder why no one with power and authority is helping.
Remember, we are a volunteer, interim Board of Directors for the Creston Valley Den Society. As with all non-profit organizations, our job is to get the program running in its initial stages – by securing funding and location, managing the set-up of the facility, providing an overview of operations and conducting initial hiring. Eventually, the Board steps back into the role of Full Governance with duties of oversight and support to ensure success of this essential community program. (See Phase Three and Four on p.9)

What alternative funding options exist?

The Town of Creston may now want to engage with BC Housing to establish an “Extreme Weather Response (EWR) Shelter” as cold weather approaches. This requires a “temperature trigger” to be set by the Town and would only be a night-time shelter as we had last year. The Town would communicate directly with BC Housing and the Creston Valley Den Society could be called upon to organize and oversee the operation as before if the Town so wishes.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW

At our meeting of September 13 with the Mayor and Town Staff, we discussed actions that could be taken to help our unhoused folks in the short-term. The weather is quickly getting colder and these citizens continue to suffer in miserable and unsafe conditions without proper food, hygiene or shelter.

We discussed options for temporary shelter in an appropriate location (i.e. tents in a park with washrooms, rented Atco trailers, the use of space near 11^th Ave S, etc.). Do you have information to share on any of these options or other ideas?

There was a recognition at that meeting that the need for temporary shelter is urgent. Our Board members also requested that the Town assist us in finding a space that the Den could use for storage, handing out of food, water, and warm clothing. Ideally, we would also be able to provide shower and washroom services and a point of contact for unhoused folks to connect with service/healthcare providers (especially those who come from out of town). We discussed the possibility of using the old Ambulance building for day–use only to provide the above sorely needed services. Town staff was going to contact your lawyers to see if there would be any impediment to this kind of temporary use of a portion of that building. Have you come to a decision?

While the Town of Creston considers our responses to this letter dated September 25, it is urgent that we take action now. In short, we are asking for:

Your recommendation for short-term shelter and its location. Rented trailers/structures would be better than tents. Tents would be better than nothing.
Wherever tents are set we need access to washrooms and power. We have ideas for set-up organization if the Town would like to engage with us.
Use of the old Ambulance building to store equipment from the Out of the Cold program
Use of the old Ambulance building during day-time hours to provide food, washrooms and cold weather items to unsheltered individuals (and possibly showers) and allow meeting space for service and health care providers
We ask the Town to reach out as soon as possible to BC Housing to discuss your efforts to create a plan for the unhoused in Creston and to apply for whatever funding my be available
Oct 1 update – some tenters are sheltering outside the Trinity United Church. We (and Trinity United Church Council) have asked the Mayor to have a portable toilet placed at the back of the church for everyone’s benefit.

Remember, ALL of the above, including regular outreach on the street is still being undertaken completely by a small, dedicated group of volunteers as we have no viable funding stream at this date. Other volunteer organizations may soon be assisting with provision of lunches several days per week.

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters. We appreciate the complex nature of the long-term solutions you are contemplating and hope you can help us now in a way that is temporary and non-intrusive and will do a great deal of good for the community.

Thank you to Mayor DeBoon and Councillors Dumas, Hawton and Eisler for attending our Oct. 1 general meeting of the Creston Valley Den Society. We look forward to continuing this supportive working relationship. We also invite you to one of our walk-about outreach sessions through town so we can introduce you to some of the Creston folks who need our help.

Thank you for the work you are doing to find solutions, both short and long-term for the unhoused citizens of Creston.

Sincerely,

Nancy DeVuono

On behalf of The Creston Valley Den Society, Interim Board and Friends of the Den

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Letter to the Town of Creston