It took four months and what is being termed a miracle, but North Central Seniors Association is no longer homeless.
The Prince George organization, based in College Heights, has been given a new home with the College Heights Baptist Church.
The members were all smiles Monday as they held their first open house on the spacious lower floor that offers them more than they dared hope for.
"I like it very much," said Sandy Lucas, NCSA president.
"We had agreed we gotta' fold, and then we got a call from the church asking us to come and see them. It was like a miracle," said Lucas, adding, the agreement is that NCSA members will share the snow removal and custodial work as well as expenses like heat and water bills. "We'll help out with all that," said Lucas during a little tour of their new space.
"You must see the kitchen. It's fantastic," said Lucas, pointing out two full cook stoves, industrial-size refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher along with a number of sinks, food preparation island and ample cupboard space.
There's a large handicapped washroom, elevator to the top floor and space for seniors programs like photography, cribbage tournaments, computer learning and larger events like barbecues and Christmas banquets.
The group has been looking for a new home since June when they lost their space at Gladstone elementary school. The school, which had not accommodated students since the early 2000s, was relegated down to a preservation level only by School District 57 when it moved out the District Resource Centre and the retired teachers group which still occupied the building.
"It's caused great dismay among the senior group members, Bob D'auray, NCSA secretary, said at that time, explaining a move away from College Heights presented a lot of obstacle for seniors including winter driving.
"We did a lot of searching and were about ready to give up, but I think somebody up there must have been looking out for us. This is darn close to a miracle," D'auray said.
"We couldn't be happier," he said he enjoyed live entertainment by Ivan Paquette along with doughnuts and coffee.
