The Creston Valley Den Society has asked the town for a $5,000 discretionary grant to help keep its drop-in program running amid rising demand and costs.
Den Society chair Nancy DeVuono, along with treasurer Karen Shannon, made the funding request during a delegation to council last Tuesday.
The Creston Valley Den Society formally formed in March 2024 to address the lack of a shelter and associated support services for unhoused and marginally housed people in Creston.
The group’s efforts to establish a shelter were ultimately unsuccessful, so in December 2024 it began operating a drop-in centre six days a week out of Trinity United Church.
The space offers clients hot meals, clothing, harm-reduction supplies and access to showers and laundry. It also acts as a point of contact for local service providers.
“Unhoused and marginally housed people are virtually unsupported in our community. As you know, the town of Creston and area serves approximately 14,000 people,” said Shannon.
“We have no homeless shelter and very few government-funded services to support our most vulnerable citizens. Some individuals suffer on streets, others in tents, unheated trailers, abandoned buildings, vehicles, temporary couches, and substandard rentals.”
DeVuono said demand for services has increased significantly.
“We serve and support approximately 16 to 22 people. Recently, that’s actually become 20 to 30 people a day and six days a week and have given direct practical help to more than 60 individuals in the past year.”
The non-profit is run entirely by volunteers and relies on grants, donations and volunteer labour to operate. Shannon said it has no access to ongoing government funding.
“Some communities receive operational support from BC Housing, Ministry of Health, Mental Health Services, Social Development, and so on. We have none of those,” she said.
“Instead, we rely totally on accessing available grants and local donations along with the thousands of volunteer hours contributed by our board and society members.”
Shannon said the group spent about $89,000 in 2025 to operate the program, including staffing, rent and groceries.
“With the cost of groceries going up, this has led to a significant increase in the people coming through our drop-in doors to get help,” added Shannon.
Food expenses alone are expected to rise sharply this year as demand grows.
“Last year, we spent $7,600 for food and if last month is any indication, with the increase in the cost of groceries and the increase in numbers of clients we are helping, this will likely double in 2026,” Shannon said.
The Den Society has secured some funding for 2026, but it is still facing a shortfall. The requested $5,000 from the town would help bridge that gap.
“We’re asking for $5,000 this year and hopefully ongoing each year to help us continue to take the desperation out of the most vulnerable Creston citizens’ lives,” said DeVuono.
Council voted to refer the request to staff for review as part of the 2026 budget, with further consideration during the 2027 budget process.
Mayor DeBoon praised the organization’s impact in the community, noting the $5,000 request is reasonable.
“You’re making a difference in this community,” he said. “We recognize that and we really appreciate that. And we want you to keep going with that, of course, because of what you’re doing.”
“It’s very right of them to ask us this and for us to examine this,” he added.
The society said it will continue operating the drop-in program as long as the need exists, while also continuing to advocate for a permanent shelter in Creston.
Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.
