June 24th, the United Way of Bruce Grey provided $300 to Safe n Sound to test the impact of a grocery card in exchange for a full sharps container program.

In the first 48 hours 800 needles were turned in; a week later over 3500 needles had been turned in. Four weeks saw over 17 000needles returned.

The program is shifting to one week a month, and further collaboration with local agencies is underway.

Emily Wickens, the Crisis Intervention and Transitional Housing Support Coordinator, Safe 'n Sound Residence spoke of the benefits beyond the numbers: “The wrap around support provided in the program was insightful as it bridged communication with folks that do not typically access the service as much.Those stepping stones of communication brought housing, food and community resources together for many."