Keeping your belongings dry and safe when you’re living on the street is a daily nightmare for many. Until now, there was little that people without a home could do except carry everything around with them.

With financial support from the City of Victoria, Our Place has built a unique storage space in its interior courtyard at 919 Pandora. The space will hold 80 large plastic totes, plus room for rolling suitcases and up to 10 shopping carts.

“This space has been desperately needed for a long time,” says Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place. “Without access to storage, some people are choosing not to go into shelters due to fear of their belongings being lost or stolen. We are hoping this will reduce the number of carts on our streets, alleviate pressure on police, bylaw and city work crews, give vulnerable people a respite from worry, and allow more people access to nightly shelter.”

One of the early champions of the need for this unique storage space was Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe.

“The City is pleased to be partnering with Our Place on this important initiative by providing funds to help build and operate the storage space,” says Thornton-Joe. “As we work towards providing more supportive and affordable housing in our region, the current need for storage space to protect the belongings of those experiencing homelessness is very much needed.”

Canadian Tire donated 100 large plastic totes that are waterproof and secure. The storage unit will be open every day from 7am to 10am and 5:30pm to 8:30pm this winter with afternoon hours beginning in the spring. Users of the facility need to check-in on their belongings daily either in person or by phone.

“This storage space will enable people to go to job interviews, medical appointments, and so much more,” says Daly. “It will also provide a secure space for people to store such valuables as their identification, family photos, work tools, clothing and bedding.”