Every year, Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society (SHHS) recognizes extraordinary community members who are truly motivated to make an impact in their community and go above and beyond to support Surrey’s priority populations. This year, SHHS is pleased to acknowledge the extraordinary work and inspirational leadership of three people from Fraser Health: Sherif Amara, Clinical Operations Manager; Tina MacDonald, Site Clinical Lead; and Manpreet Chahal, Site Clinical Lead.
During the emergency onset of the pandemic in the spring, there was a major concern of outbreak in Surrey’s unhoused population, and several collaborators moved quickly to prioritize the health and safety of these individuals. The ERC was opened to create safe spaces and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in partnership with BC Housing, Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS), Fraser Health and the City of Surrey. Together, BC Housing, SUMS and the Fraser Health teams pulled together to form a collaborative force providing coordinated and integrated services.
Health services that had not previously been provided to guests in the shelter system were brought to the ERC. Fraser Health introduced its first Managed Alcohol Program onsite, and this innovation would not have happened without the guidance of Sherif, Tina, and Manpreet. They were on the frontlines of the pandemic, putting others’ health and safety as a priority before their own. Demonstrating remarkable caring, compassion and creativity, they continue to go above and beyond, providing health services and building community.
SHHS would like to thank Sherif, Tina, and Manpreet for their amazing work, and acknowledge the tremendous collaboration and team work that continues to happen at the ERC and throughout Surrey during the pandemic.