Shepherds of Good Hope CEO ‘grateful’ for community support following demonstration impact on staff
Posted Jan 31, 2022 11:50:00 AM.
The CEO of the Shepherds of Good Hope said she is amazed at the support shown by the community following the demonstrations over the weekend.
On Saturday, January 29, the shelter's staff and volunteers said via Twitter they were verbally harassed by protesters when they demanded free meals at the shelter's soup kitchen.
Deidre Freiheit told CityNews on Sunday, January 30, she was surprised and disappointed when she heard her staff had to go through this.
“The staff stepped up (yesterday) and did what they always do, which is exceptional work and they were able to diffuse the situation,” said Freiheit.
The Shepherds of Good Hope works with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), in addition to having on-site security, to provide the necessary care and safety for staff and residents who depend on the shelter. The staff are also trained for non-violent crisis interventions.
During the weekend's protests, trucks were parked directly in front of the shelter, which blocked emergency lanes used for ambulances and police services.
“That could have cost someone a life,” Freiheit explained. “And the congestion in the area could have potentially contributed to blocking people from getting to individuals if they were overdosing, which happens frequently.”
One of the things Freiheit is concerned about in the coming days is the congestion of the demonstration and whether her staff would be able to get to work safely. She said that some of the staff struggled to make their way to work because of road congestion and some volunteers couldn't make it in, at all.
Freiheit said she's grateful for the outpouring of support from the community via social media and donations, as many people expressed their concern for her staff and volunteers.
“Out of difficult circumstances, there's always good things (that) happen and we live in an incredibly caring community,” said Freiheit, adding that some have even offered to volunteer their time at the shelter. “The community never fails to step up and support us.”
