Quotes from DI Clients

Drago, laborer – “I need a place to sleep. I work. I don’t need much else.”

Christine, young single woman – When asked if she would like to live at Centre 4800, she said “That would be awesome! I was in foster care at 5 and never had my own place. I need to learn how to be on my own.”

A number of upgrades to Centre 4800 are required before tenants can move in. Recommendations for upgrades include:

• Creation of a new residential entrance and security desk on the north side of the building.
• Reconfiguration of the north portion of the main floor for operational purposes, to create amenity space for the residents. This area will be fully separated from the space formerly used as a Conference Centre.
• Upgrading of residential rooms and hallways.
• Replacement of outdated and inefficient mechanical and electrical systems.
• Refurbishment of the building envelope including replacement of the windows and roof, upgrading insulation and vapor barrier, as well as new exterior cladding.
• Essential mitigation of hazardous materials.
• Code upgrades essential to fire and life safety.
• Improvements to vehicular parking loading and bicycle parking.
• Improvements to landscape treatment on the west side of the building and along Edmonton Trail.  
• Provision of a private outdoor smoking area.

In May 2013, The DI attended a pre-application meeting with The City of Calgary Development & Building Approval officials to discuss the draft Development Permit application and receive feedback on municipal requirements. As a result of that meeting, a Development Permit (DP) application for the renovations upgrades to the building will be submittedThe DP application will be posted on this site at the time of submission and The City will post the DP notice and circulate it to the community association for comment and input.

Following full review of the DP application, it will proceed to the Calgary Planning Commission for decision. An updated timeline for these steps will be posted as soon as the dates are available.

Anticipated upgrades outlined below will be implemented sequentially.

Step 1

• “Conference and Events Centre” for the basement level of the south portion of the building and to “Retail and Consumer Service” for the south half of the main floor.
• Addition of a new residential entrance on the north side of the building, while retaining the west entrance to the conference space on the lower level and creation of new entries for retail units on the south face of the building.
• Creation of access for service vehicles, an interior receiving area and garbage and recycling storage.
• Renovation of the north portion of the main floor to create a resident dining room, exercise room, recreation area, business office, multi-purpose area and support staff offices.
• Removal of carpet, sanding and sealing of floors in the residential rooms on all floors.
• Essential building code upgrades, hazardous material mitigation and installation of security systems.

Step 2

• Renovation of and occupancy of tenant rooms

Step 3

• External building envelope upgrades to increase the sustainability of the building and to enhance its appearance.
• Window replacement to increase the sustainability of the facility.
• Improvements to the overall site, including vehicular and bicycle parking supply, including barrier-free stalls.
• Improvements to the landscape architecture at the west side of the building and particularly along Edmonton Trail

Step 4

• Replacement or repair of plumbing and  HVAC systems
• Replacement or repair of electrical systems and lighting as required.

We all have a dream. It may take years to discover it. It may take even longer to find the courage to achieve it. But no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges, we all deserve to have our dreams come true.

This year, at 45 years of age, while living at the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre’s emergency shelter, Fabian discovered his dream. He is going to run the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon’s marathon. After 30 years of alcohol and drug abuse and a successful recovery, it’s a dream that deserves to come true.

“I am sick and tired of being sick and tired,” says Fabian. And so he runs.

Every morning, seven days a week, he leaves his shelter bed. He takes his Pure North S’Energy Foundation vitamins and synergy power. He enjoys a nutritious and delicious breakfast at the Drop-In. And he goes to the Calgary Eau Claire YMCA gym where he runs two full hours.

“This is my first marathon,” says Fabian. “Running is a habit. I am trying to develop some new habits.”

“I am racing against time. I am getting older. As I am getting older, I am looking at my life to see what I’ve accomplished.”

On May 26, 2013 Fabian will be able to look back on his life with pride, knowing that he overcame enormous challenges to make his dream came true. He ran a marathon.

Fabian is making his race more meaningful by fundraising for the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre. If you would like to support his fundraising efforts, please click here.

Read more: http://www.calgarymarathon.com/news-resources/enews.html?id=138

Process Color shared the following message with us by email:

Wharf This Way by Process Colour. Sale proceeds support The DI.

“I am the account manager here at Process Color and have been working with Southcentre Mall for years. I have long been an admirer of the fantastic work done over at the Drop In Centre – we know that what your team does there is not easy, but so very necessary. I’ve heard many stories of what the Drop In Centre team deals with, some good, bad, and truly horrific from former employees and volunteers – I have the utmost respect and admiration for what you do there. We are so grateful that your organization is here in our community for those unfortunate souls that need help. The more fortunate in our society often tend to ignore, neglect  or judge harshly and unfairly, when a simple twist of fate or change in circumstance could lead any of us, or someone we love to be in a similar circumstance.

I strongly believe that all humans deserve compassion and care, regardless of their circumstances, beliefs or misfortunes. I think The Drop In Centre is one of those organizations that provides that to everyone they can without judgement or unreasonable strings attached – you change lives for the better, so we are proud to offer whatever monies raised through this auction to your organization. Your work is extremely important, so keep it up and know that your neighbors are truly thankful for it.

There are still a couple of weeks to go on the silent auction, so we’re telling everyone we know about it so we can get you as much as possible. We look forward to seeing where it ends up.

All the best,

Cheryl

Process Color Print Ltd.”

If you would more information on Southcentre Mall’s Reflect the Best of You campiagn and wonder how you can support it, please visit http://www.thedi.ca/southcentre-malls-reflect-the-best-of-you/