A major obstacle in a safe consumption site coming to North Hastings has been overcome.
The group has purchased an RV that will allow them to conduct their mobile operations. The RV was delivered a few weeks ago, and an anonymous $25,000 donation allowed them to purchase the vehicle. While the vehicle is in good condition, it still needs things like shelving, generator work, and beds. They will also need to remove large appliances that came with the RV. Safe Use Hastings Spokesperson Lisa Fioritto-Bickert says they still need another $10,000 in funding to help with bringing the RV up to standard. So far their GoFundMe has raised $4,000.
Safe Use Hastings is also in the process of becoming a charitable organization separate from North Hastings Community Trust. Fioritto-Bickert says the group is partnering with Charitable Impact, who are helping them in the interim to become a fully registered charity. Charitable Impact is helping Safe Use Hastings pay their not-for-profit status fees and allowing them to issue charitable receipts. On the Logistics side, Fioritto-Bickert says they are ready to go once enough money is raised, and is urging people to continue donating to their cause.
Further updates on the project can be found on the website of Dr. Ashley White, who is running the site.