Salt Spring’s Local Community Commission (LCC) wrapped up 2024 with one last grant award at its Dec. 5 meeting, using its grants-in-aid program’s remaining funds to boost a local project aiming to create a “warm, safe and inclusive space” during winter months.
The Chuan Society became the LCC’s 18th recipient for the year, participating in a funding program that saw community organizations receive awards ranging from less than $1,000 to as much as $5,000 in two rounds of applications. The LCC had directed staff to accept Chuan’s application outside of its normal spring and fall intake windows, hoping the group might advance its project before the worst of the island’s winter weather arrives.
The Hearth is the name for a new community drop-in space, with Chuan Society organizers now planning to operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the former Phoenix Elementary School property’s portable classroom on Drake Road. That property is now being leased by the Capital Regional District, who in turn will book use by Chuan.
“It’s a little bit complicated, a little bit risky, and everybody recognizes that,” said commissioner Brian Webster of the plan, which will see the Hearth launching this month and running as a pilot until the end of March.
“But I think everybody –– the Chuan Society, our staff and our elected people who’ve been sort of helping shepherd things through –– everybody has been acting with good faith, and we’ve ended up with as good a proposal and plan as we could have.”
The Hearth will serve as a “hub,” organizers said, where all community members –– and especially those who are under-sheltered or marginalized –– can find “respite, connection and support.” Chuan Society chair Kajin Goh has said the space would offer a warm, dry environment for relationships to flourish through planned activities, as well as improve access to resource information and wellness supports.
Commissioner Ben Corno said he had “a lot of optimism” for Chuan’s ability to run the Hearth, and looked forward equally to its efforts in coming years.
“I feel super grateful to everybody involved,” said Corno. “And I’m happy we’re able –– I hate to say ‘finally,’ but finally –– to do something meaningful for this specific underserved group in the community.”
LCC grants-in-aid are one-time grants to fund special projects and activities, awarded to non-profit organizations who deliver projects benefitting Salt Spring that are not already funded by tax requisition.
The project’s $2,068 award brought the LCC’s 2024 grants-in-aid total to its full budget of $53,986, according to staff; 2025 application intakes for the grant program will begin this spring.