By Cheryl Jahn

Shelter Issues

Shelters not enough

Apr 3, 2020 | 3:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – With bitter cold overnight throughout the region, the shelters are full. But many homeless are forced to stay on the streets.

“There’s a lot of people out on the street. Moreso. The shelters are full. They can’t practise safe social distancing,” says Carrie Capostinsky. “And if it comes into our community, a lot of us have underlying health issues and no immune systems.”

BC Housing has issued a statement around shelters:

“There are currently seven shelters, including three temporary Extreme Weather Response shelters, that provide a combined 131 spaces for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George. In Prince George, all of the temporary shelter spaces will remain open until June, and the other permanent shelters will continue operating as normal.”

“BC Housing is also conducting a provincewide inventory and has identified a significant number of additional locations for accommodating vulnerable populations, including motels and community centres. More details on specific locations will be available as they are implemented in communities.”

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“In addition, the Province has established a Vulnerable Population Working Group that is working to identify, assess and address the immediate challenges faced by vulnerable people, including people experiencing homelessness. This group is working with outreach teams across the province to offer people in encampments support, information and hygiene and sanitation advice.”

But Capostinsky says they need help, and extra beds are needed.

“Or have some other buildings, like an empty school or a hall or something so that we can practice safe distancing.”