Dream Centre continues to fight homelessness
Sixth Annual Radiothon – September 18
by Robyn T. Braley

The Calgary Dream Centre (CDC) has scheduled its 6th annual major Radiothon fundraiser for Thursday, September 18th between 6am and 7pm. The fundraising marathon will support Dream Centre programs that have produced significant results by bringing hope, recovery, and transformation to men who want to make real change.

"I was sexually abused as a young boy," related one Dream Centre resident. "Trying to forget these painful memories led me to alcohol, then stronger drugs like cocaine." He rebounded from one agency to another, but what they offered was never enough. It was not until he was admitted to the Dream Centre that he found what he had been robbed of so many years ago; his dignity and self respect.

Another resident was a practicing trial lawyer. Smoking up to seven joints per day in high school led to harder drugs. Somehow he made it through university and was accepted into the bar. But the lifestyle of drugs and constant partying led to dependency. Erratic behavior led to broken relationships, missed trial dates, and soon, lost jobs. After he hit bottom, the Dream Centre represented his last chance to reclaim his life.

When you hear their stories, when you look them in the eyes, you are impressed by the changes that can be brought about by the staff at the Dream Centre. These are people driven by a sense of mission, who have a passion for helping men transition from street life to becoming productive members of our community.

Residents who were homeless, found themselves on the streets for a variety of reasons. Usually, dependence was the root cause. But sometimes, it was the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, some type of abuse, or a mental health issue.

From those who faced the dangers of the street – the guns, the knives, the beatings, or waking up under a foot of snow – one comment stands out about living at the Dream Centre. They repeatedly state, "I feel safe!"

"Creating a family atmosphere based on Biblical principles and Christian love is the foundation for all the Dream Centre represents, Executive Director Jim Moore observed. "Our commitment to ministry is central to all that we do."

"Everyday we see God work miracles in the lives of our residents," he added.

Radiothon 2008 will feature three radio stations broadcasting live throughout the day. SHINE FM and AM1140 will be joined by CHQR Radio. The CDC foyer, dining room and auxiliary rooms will be transformed into a call centre, live broadcast studio, live music stage and information centre. Throughout the day, church leaders, community leaders and sports personalities will appear as guests and Dream Centre staff and residents will tell their stories.

Listeners are not only encouraged to call 403-214-5490 and make a donation, but to drop by for free coffee and entertainment.

"The CDC depends on donations from various sources including private individuals, businesses, foundations, government, service clubs and private individuals," Moore noted. "That is why the fundraising marathon plays such an important role in making CDC programs possible."

"Local churches provide a significant portion of our funding base," he continued. "Some churches make a donation while others underwrite the cost of housing a resident who may be a member of their congregation locked in a fight against addictions or some other issue."

The Dream Centre can accommodate 120 men. It is consistently filled to capacity and has a long waiting list. The CDC has become a leader in the fight to eradicate Homelessness in Calgary, playing a key role in the Calgary Homeless Foundation’s 10-year plan.

In 2007 the CDC introduced an innovative Wellness Support Centre. A team of Christian counselors and social workers were recruited to develop clinical programs that cut through the layers of issues that are the root causes of homelessness. Therapeutic intervention is at the core of services that are delivered with care and compassion.

This year a new component will be added to the media mix through a website that will be dedicated solely to the Radiothon. A webmaster will be onsite to upload up-to-date information about totals, challenges, pledges and photos of residents and celebrity guests throughout the day. The address is www.radiothonlive.com.

The CDC is located outside of the downtown core at 4510 Macleod Trail. The Dream Centre purchased, gutted, and totally renovated the Majestic Inn to become an ideal transitional housing centre.

"Come and join us on September 18," invites Moore. "Partner with us in making the Dream Centre a beacon in the midst of darkness for those without hope."