I have seen a lot in The Morning Star this year about the homeless in Vernon.
The main problem for these people is a place to stay at night. Food can usually be found.
I think shelter from the cold and wet could be accomplished by building an organized housing system — a building made of mostly metal with very small, locker-type rooms might be worth a try.
A trial could be started with one or two to begin with and if it works, it could be made several stories high.
There could be small rooms — eight or 10-feet wide, four feet high and four feet deep as an example. I envision a stair-like building.
They would have a door, window and ventilation.
There would need to be a low powered heating/cooling system, possibly solar.
They could have a permanent, durable mat on the bottom .
Every locker would be assigned through the welfare or charity system and everyone would have to apply. Once approved, they would be given a key.
There would be a communal bathroom and showers near the facility.
This would be temporary for most clients as they would then be able to be clean and rested and may then be able to get employment.
There is a lot of money spent chasing these unfortunate people around and cleaning up the camps they have now, so something should be tried.
Ron Schwartz
Vernon