He started his substance use in Grade 3.
In recovery, Lheidli T’enneh elder Billy Baker was one of the first workers at the Fire Pit when they first opened their doors 20 years ago.
“My parents went to their graves when I was just like the people out here on the streets and that hurts,” Baker said. “I believe in dreams and I had this dream where this crow told me ‘change your ways or that’s it’ and so I did and now I am out here up to 12 hours a day trying to help people because I know what it’s like.”
The Fire Pit is Positive Living North’s street-level outreach program that offers a safe space for people to come together and share a meal, while being supported by the workers in the heart of downtown Prince George. Positive Living North primarily provides support, awareness education, and prevention services to people living with, affected by, and at-risk for HIV/AIDS/HCV.
To celebrate the Fire Pit’s 20th anniversary, Baker is calling on the community to help make a difference.
“I challenge everyone in Prince George to donate $5 to the Fire Pit so they can continue their important work,” Baker said.
During his current fundraising efforts, Baker has raised more than $2,000.
“The money I collected is coming straight from the street people,” Baker said. But he’d like to add to that.
Baker donates cash on a regular basis and over time has raised more than $4,000 for the Fire Pit.
To donate Baker, is asking people to drop down to the Fire Pit at 1120 Third Avenue or Positive Living North at #1-1563 Second Avenue.
Everyone is always welcome.
For more information about the Fire Pit and Positive Living North visit www.positivelivingnorth.org/
