Lethbridge Shelter Making A Difference in Downtown Lethbridge
Posted on: Thursday, December 03, 2009
The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is proud to be involved in a great program that is having a significant impact on the downtown experience. For years, the BRZ and the City of Lethbridge have struggled with keeping sidewalks, gutters and lanes free of debris. Although the Summer Ambassador Program,
which employs high school students, does an excellent job of keeping
our streets clean from July through August, the build-up of unsightly
garbage during the balance of the year was an ongoing challenge. The Employment Rejuvenation Program (ERP) has changed all of that. The program is a partnership between the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, the City of Lethbridge (Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee - DRSC) and the BRZ.
Besides
a cleaner downtown, a variety of social benefits are realized as a
result of this important program. Shelter clients are paid a minimum
wage for the hours they spend cleaning our streets and lanes. The
program helps to provide participating clients with the tools necessary
to become more employable and to eventually re-enter the workforce. It
also provides them with the opportunity to give back to our community.
Everyone
is a winner as a result of this program. The community benefits because
the downtown is much cleaner. The clients benefit because it has
positively impacted their lives in a variety of ways.
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