Harper Rev Chuck w Keray Regan

2022 08 02 | Host: Keray Regan | Rev. Chuck Harper - North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy

Rev. Chuck Harper of the North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy was hosted by Keray Regan. As a youth, Chuck learned firsthand about homelessness and addiction. He says a number of “blue-haired” ladies of his mother’s generation consider it a small miracle he recovered, & now serves suffering street people. He described having several “Popeye Moments – ‘I can’t stands no more,’” which helped convince him to complete & maintain his long recovery. His work has included leadership roles with the Upper Room Mission & John Howard Society, but most of his work now involves filling gaps left by various agencies. NOCC is funded by donations & a few grants. It offers Vernon Street Church, Bag Lunch Mondays, Vernon’s Homeless Memorial, Memorial Services, Street Teams, One on One Mentoring & community partnerships to reduce homelessness and addiction. Chuck also offers “Heart Recovery” through faith discussion & counselling. He believes harm reduction & safe drugs support addiction maintenance, not recovery. He says most Vernon street people are locals, or have strong local connections, & believes we benefit locally from RCMP, Bylaw Officers & City of Vernon staff who do a pretty good job, overall, of helping to alleviate the suffering of street people. See Home - North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy (noccministry.org) for more info.