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After being forced to shut down its community centre six months ago, the Metro Community Church has finally found a new location for “Metro Central.”
Next week the church will move into its new building at 1262 St Paul Street, bringing back what the church's lead pastor, Laurence East, says is an important gathering place for many in Kelowna’s street community.
For years the church operated Metro Central out of a property on the corner of Water Street and Queensway Avenue. Six months ago the centre closed when the owners of the property demolished the building to make way for a hotel development.
East says that closure left a hole in Kelowna’s support services, as Metro Central was one of the few places people living on the streets could hang out once shelters closed their doors in the morning.
He said about 60 per cent of the church’s congregation are street connected, and many more come from “vulnerable populations.”
The very fact that “Metro Central” was not a shelter was important, East said. Having a community to come to for support, and resources available should one want them, was a big part of why so many people would come.
“At heart we’re a church, but we’re really kind of the heart of the street community,” East said.
East says anywhere from 100-200 people would frequent the centre each day, taking advantage of the art and music studios, cafe, bakery and meeting with friends.
“I likened it to Cheers: everyone knew it was a church, but no matter what your faith, you were always welcome, and somebody knew your name," he said.
East said that, since the centre shut down, the church has been operating “as creatively as we can” to reach members, working out of cars, at public barbecues and finding people where they set up camps or sleep.
Now, with a new building in their own hands, East says the church can offer its members a safe, stable environment.
He says the church will move its operations into the new building next week, and open to the public in late December or early January. From there, renovations will begin in the spring, and East hopes that within the year “Metro Central” will be back to its old glory.
“We’re committed to being good neighbours in our new neighbourhood,” he said, adding that he hopes their presence will enhance and bring new diversity to the area.
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