Each year in December we recall the story of a young couple in a far away land that could find no accommodation in the bustling little town of Bethlehem.
Forced to journey to the city of their ancestry to pay a tax, even though the young woman was expecting to deliver her first child at any day, the pair struggled to find a place to stay.
I imagine the husband felt a bit distressed as innkeeper after innkeeper informed him that their places were full and there wasn’t any room for them.
The couple eventually had to be content with an improvised camp among the animals and the woman gave birth to her child surrounded by sheep and donkeys.
Born in such humble circumstances, this child went on to be a great teacher who preached about charity and led by example showing kindness to the lowest in society. He taught love and compassion, put the needs of others before his own and performed many miracles healing both blind men and lepers.
More than two thousand years later, during Christmas we celebrate the spirit of his life, whether or not people choose to celebrate his birth.
Many local groups have demonstrated the spirit of Christmas with donations of time, money and food, but the efforts of one group in particular stood out to me as I pondered the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth.
Because of the Housing Task Group, no one will be forced to set up an improvised camp under a bridge or in an alley way in Merritt this year.
While in previous years, local emergency shelter was only offered one night a week or during extreme weather conditions (defined as temperatures reaching -8C or below), Merritt’s new emergency shelter will offer refuge seven nights a week to those who have no where else to stay.
I was impressed by how this group came together after hearing the news that there would be no funding from BC Housing for shelter this year and in a very short time came up with their own solution.
Merritt’s shelter located in the old Spirit of the Youth building on Coutlee Avenue, includes two separate bedrooms and feels warm and inviting and already volunteers report an average of three guests a night.
Over thirty Merrittonians have stepped forward to volunteer at the shelter, but there is always a need for more help. If anyone feels inspired this season to give of their time, Merritt’s emergency shelter is certainly a worthy cause. If you don’t have time, but you have a little extra food, the Housing Task Group would gladly accept donations to feed their guests. Contact the Community Policing Office for more details.
