There’s more proof that affordable housing in Vernon is limited,
The Partners In Action conducted a homeless survey Wednesday morning and 75 individuals were identified outside or in shelters.
“The team isn’t surprised. We anticipated this,” said Kelly Fehr, with the John Howard Society.
The census showed 21 people were sleeping outside.
“We encouraged them to come to the shelters and we referred them to community services,” said Fehr.
However, Fehr admits not everyone is comfortable in a shelter setting with others around them.
There were six people using the emergency mats at the Gateway Shelter, as well as 11 on the women’s floor and 13 on the men’s in beds at Gateway. Twenty-four individuals were at the Howard House shelter.
B.C. Housing has agreed to provide the emergency mats beyond April as needed.
“It will be on a week by week basis. If they’re not being used, there’s no point in having them open,” said Fehr.
Fehr insists there is a need for governments at all levels to focus on affordable housing but he says that’s not the only solution.
“Part of the responsibility is with the private sector and we as a community have a responsibility to all of our citizens.”
Fehr is urging residents to abandon any perceptions they may have about the homeless.
“Not everyone sleeping outside is addicted or on income assistance. They are working (for minimum wage),” he said.