While homelessness can be hidden, the issue itself cannot be ignored.
Affordable housing has become an increasing concern on the Sunshine Coast and in addition to those who are homeless, many others are vulnerably housed, meaning they are not necessarily homeless, but live in unsafe or risky situations.
Since July 2010 the Homelessness Outreach Project has been working on a strategic plan to combat the multi-faceted issue of homelessness. At a well-attended community project forum on April 1, organizers presented their plan.
"You will see four or five people living in tight conditions, people living in dilapidated boats both on and off water. Our senior citizens couch surfing, our teenagers squatting in tool sheds and barns that belong to their friends' parents. It's very common that people admit themselves to the hospital here, at St. Mary's, just to get a bed and get off the street for a night," said Vancouver Coastal Health's Brent Fitzsimmons.
Matt Thomson, project researcher and co-ordinator outlined four key areas of the strategy: continuation and expansion of the project, commitment to working with all forms of government, strengthening service and support for the project's users, and increasing public awareness.
Additionally, Thomson emphasized the importance of improving transportation networks in order for those in Pender Harbour to access services centralized in Sechelt and Gibsons, making the project a truly Coast-wide initiative.
There was also discussion on the immediate need for a permanent shelter, open year round to house the homeless on an emergency or short-term basis.
The project has been offering long-term assistance to approximately 50 individuals in need as well as helping, on a smaller scale, hundreds of others. The average age of their clients is 41, with about 85 per cent of them of having a long-term relationship to the Coast. This, as Thomson explained, is a contrast to thinking the homeless are transient. "These people who are making use of the project are people that considerate this place home," said Thomson.
Having recently succeeded in applying for a federal government grant, the project will be funded for another six months. Along with securing further funding, Thomson discussed the importance of basing of the plan on a collaborative approach, with project co-ordinators working with the Sunshine Coast's upcoming Affordable Housing Committee, and engaging all community partners.
Thomson poignantly stated to the crowd that homelessness is not something to be solved overnight, but solutions can be worked on.
"Homelessness does exist, even if it doesn't look like the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver," said Thomson. "Everyone has a right to adequate, suitable and affordable housing."
