Lookout Health and Housing Society to Continue Enhanced Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew Program
DUNCAN / NORTH COWICHAN – The City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan are announcing a new partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society for the enhanced Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew program. The Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew collects sharps and other debris.
Following a successful year-and-a-half operation funded by a provincial grant from 2020 – 2022, the Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew program is now sustained through a municipal funding arrangement. The base funding for the program, covering a total of eighteen hours a week, continues to be provided by Island Health. The City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan have allocated municipal funding to sustain the enhanced program, recognizing its significance in addressing the challenges associated with the opioid overdose crisis. The Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew operates seven days a week, covering Beverly Street to Boys Road and Government Street to Lakes Road, including municipal parks. In addition to the increased service hours and collection routes for sharps, the Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew also collects garbage and debris, facilitated by the availability of a dedicated vehicle. The program employs people who are overcoming homelessness or addiction.
“There is a dedicated phone number, 250-883-3592, for businesses and residents along the Trans-Canada Highway Corridor to report sharps,” said Mayor Michelle Staples, City of Duncan. “It adds another piece of support as we all work to address the challenges posed by the opioid overdose crisis.”
Mayor Rob Douglas of the Municipality of North Cowichan also emphasized the value of the program, stating, “This is an important service for area businesses and residents, and I’m pleased to see it continue with Lookout Housing and Health Society.”
“Lookout is proud to work with Duncan and North Cowichan on this important initiative,” said Lee King, Lookout’s Operations Director for Vancouver Island. “This reinforces Lookout’s long-term community commitment to work with local government on housing and healthcare solutions in the Cowichan Valley.”
In 2020, the City of Duncan received a $49,000 grant from the Ministry of Health’s Community Action Initiative, with support from the Municipality of North Cowichan, the Community Action Team, Island Health, Canadian Mental Health Association – Cowichan Valley Branch, and the House of Friendship. This funding allowed for the enhancement of the Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew program to provide seven-day-a-week coverage and increase service levels.
The City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan extend their sincere gratitude to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cowichan Valley Branch for their previous collaboration and support in delivering the Enhanced Mobile Peer Clean-up Crew program.
2023-05-31 Duncan and North Cowichan Fund Lookout Sharps Collection.pdf
