Since it's inception in 2010, Operation Street Angel has been providing much needed services to the homeless population of Cranbrook. As part of their evolving mandate, Street Angel continues to link their clients with services that help them deal with issues such as communicable disease, addictions, mental health, education, training, employment, accommodation and nutrition.

"What we have learned over the past year is that dwelling on what's wrong isn't helpful to achieving success,_ said Debbie Whitehead, Director of the Social Investment Sector for the Ktunaxa Nation.

_We know that focusing on strengths and turning the negative into positive application can produce amazing results."

Each day, up to 100 clients access Street Angel, which tries to provide each with a hot meal. "Although we have had amazing cooperation and donations from our local merchants, we still have ongoing challenges to maintain sufficient food supplies to meet the need," Whitehead said. "We always welcome whatever the public is able to provide._

Street Angel has also developed on-site shower and laundry facilities, and has arranged for hair cutting services.

Since opening, Street Angel has developed many unique strategies including offering a 12 step program in a culturally appropriate holistic way. To the Ktunaxa Nation, who operates the Street Angel Program, this is an important element

Another such innovation has been allowing the clients themselves to set policy at Street Angel. By allowing clients to create the rules, there is a lot of self-policing which has been critical to keeping negative street culture out of the building.

The clients also want to give back to the community, and they do volunteer for activities such as assisting in snow removal for those who are not able to do it themselves. If you know someone who is unable to shovel snow or needs assistance with odd chores, please call Wendy at Street Angel: 250-420-2756

This January, the College of the Rockies will be offering Adult Basic Education classes at the Street Angel facility, which will help client goal of gainful employment and open the door to future educational opportunities.

There are also many professional support workers at Street Angel, including a Nurse Practitioner, Aboriginal Court Worker and a Homeless Outreach Worker. Street Angel will continue to expand to meet the need of the population as funding is available.

Although Cranbrook has a relatively small population as compared to other urban centres, up to half of those accessing services at Street Angel facility are youth, Whitehead said. Some are as young as 12.

"We meet their immediate need, whether it's a hot meal, nursing services, counseling, referrals, and then we refer them to Child and Family Services," Whitehead said. "However, those 16 years and older often will not receive services due to either personal choice or barriers to services. We have also a large number of youth that have 'aged-out' of the system.

"It is a huge issue, and we are actively working on new programs to assist these youth."

Street Angel continues to operate seven days a week between 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and clients are able to access the facility before it opens to attend appointments or receive referrals.

The Street Angel has developed partnerships with many organizations who desire to support the homeless in our community. This collaborative includes the Ktunaxa Nation Council, IHA, Child and Youth Mental Health, College of the Rockies, Schools, RCMP, Women's Resource Centre, Community Connections, Salvation Army, Homeless Outreach, ANKORS, Options for Sexual Health, East Kootenay Addictions and Teck.