Proof of vaccine mandate and its effects on unhoused people

“We have to now start asking those questions. If we wanted to host an event or we want to create an opportunity for our individuals to gather, does that mean it’s not essential and so we’re going to have to ask them for their passports?” said Abe.

Each year, AWAC hosts a number of events such as their upcoming fall fair, which takes place outdoors, but she’s worried since people will be eating inside that it would be breaking the health order. if she can still host the event altogether.

“I can understand you know what this passport is suppose to accomplish but it doesn’t work for our population,” said Abe.

What they can do isn’t the only concern for the association and other advocacy groups. There’s also concerns about where their people can go.

In the wintertime, restaurants and coffee shops are a safe haven from below freezing temperatures. But, if shelters are full and they don’t have proof of vaccination, their options are limited.

“Just last week, we went out to eat at a local restaurant and I’ve seen a number of our individuals that we support here, having dinner which I thought was wonderful that they have the opportunity to go and have dinner. But then I started thinking ‘well now they won’t be able to do that right?’ If they’re outside and it’s minus 30 and they want to step into Tim Hortons to have a hot coffee, they’re not going to be able to do that,” said Abe.

Lost IDs, lack of education on vaccines, and access to getting the vaccine are just some roadblocks for unhoused people.

UNBC Professor Dawn Hemingway is worried that these barriers would only increase the workload to safely care for them.

“If we’re in a situation where someone is out in the cold, they’re trying to get in for a coffee or get in the coffee shop, we have to have some sense of responsibility. If they can’t go there, then we have to have other places for them to go,” said Hemingway.

Advocates say the next step now to prepare for this mandate, is providing better education and creating an easier avenue to get the vaccine.

“We have a lot of individuals who would like to get the vaccination, but they don’t work on the same time frame as most individuals do. So let’s create the opportunity for them, where it’s more beneficial for them, more easier for them to get the vaccination,” said Abe.

by Oli Herrera

Proof of vaccine mandate and its effects on unhoused people

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