How did The Garage get started?
The seed for The Garage Community Space was planted long before its official opening. This timeline highlights The Garage’s evolution from a grassroots initiative to a thriving hub of community support. From day one, The Garage has been a collaborative effort. Local businesses, organizations and individuals were inspired to offer their services, resources, or financial gifts. At The Garage we see what’s possible when organizations and individuals come together with a positive vision that respects the dignity of all people. As an independent registered nonprofit, The Garage serves as a common ground between all of these different private and public groups.
Field of Faith: an informal group of volunteers served weekly meals for people experiencing homelessness. Several of The Garage’s founding board members were involved in this initiative before the pandemic brought it to a sudden halt.
Town hall meeting on homelessness: The mayor and city council of Terrace held a town hall meeting addressing homelessness and related issues within the community.
Virtual town hall meeting: Mayor and city council reiterate the need for solutions to address homelessness and related challenges.
Property acquisition: Along with support and encouragement from local leaders, Sid and Sharon Bandstra secure a property on 3504 Kalum Street, formerly a shell gas station.
Next steps: Sharon meets with six other community members to brainstorm how to move forward with this space.
Terrace Churches Food Bank relocation: The Food Bank relocates to The Garage, offering better visibility and accessibility, and serving an increasing number of households. The Food Bank changes its openings from once a month to once a week (Monday mornings).
Outreach Thursday: In partnership with local social agencies, The Garage begins hosting Outreach Thursdays. It is an opportunity for individuals needing support or experiencing homelessness to connect with workers from Ksan Society, Northern Health, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Kermode Friendship Society, TDCSS, and The City of Terrace (Community Relations Program Coordinator and the Community Safety Officers). The Salvation Army brings their mobile food truck to provide meals. The Garage volunteers set up and provide coffee/tea/water and snacks.
Winter warmth room established: A collaborative effort between multiple agencies results in a space stocked with essential items like coats, gloves, toques, boots, socks, blankets, and other winter warmth items for those in need during cold weather.
Incorporation as a non-profit society: The Garage Community Space officially incorporates as a non-profit society under the name "The Garage Community Space Society" with a board of seven members.
Various programs and collaborations: The Garage continues to expand its offerings, including support groups, recovery groups and other educational workshops. We continue to be open to opportunities to engage other initiatives that meet our mission and vision.
A community space for everyone: The Garage hosts weekly Food Bank openings, outreach events, recovery groups and educational meetings. It also serves as a warm refuge or cooling station during extreme weather events. It’s a place of inclusion, hospitality and welcome. A common ground where all of us can feel more connected.