A group of volunteers are serving two meals a day to the homeless and others in need around the city (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

COVID-19 MEALS

Kamloops volunteers working to fill gap in meals for homeless during COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 6, 2020 | 4:50 PM

KAMLOOPS — The global pandemic has been hard on all of us, as we stay home and socially isolate as much as possible. But the COVID-19 outbreak has created more difficulties for the homeless population with some non-profit organizations shutting their doors or reducing hours.

A group of dedicated volunteers has stepped forward to try and fill the gap. It’s all part of the Kamloops COVID-19 Meal Train, which travels around the city to provide food where it’s needed.

“We launched the idea about 10 days ago when we heard that the PIT Stop was going to postpone because they were struggling to get volunteers,” said organizer Glenn Hilke. “And then we know of other programs that had already shut down.”

The volunteers are part of the Lived Experience Committee. They serve two meals a day — at noon and 4:00 p.m. — picking different locations every day.

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“Keep people healthy, right? The better their immune systems are, the less of a chance, we hope, that people will catch the virus,” noted Hilke. “It’s a really vulnerable population and people are literally sitting ducks to catch this virus.”

On Monday, the group was at the Mustard Seed, which is now closed on Sundays and Mondays. It’s where most of the homeless and other people in need go for their meals. The volunteers with the COVID-19 Meal Train are filling the void. Their efforts are appreciated by everyone who comes to eat.

“In my position right now, we’ll call it ‘transition,’ it’s fully necessary,” said Parry Dickie. “I think it’s important that stuff like this, the group today, picking up the slack. There’s two days [the Mustard Seed] is not providing meals. You’re homeless 24/7. All of it helps.”

Many of the volunteers like Cynthia Travers have been in their shoes. Travers was homeless in 2017 and knows how important it is to provide the meals.

“Being an ex-homeless person, this is a dire need and it has to happen,” said Travers. “There are so many people across Canada and around the world that need help. They’re out here for a reason. This is not just a pity party. They’re not out here because they don’t want to be housed. They’re out here, most of them have mental problems.”

As Hilke packs up for the day, he’ll re-stock the car and be ready for another of feeding people tomorrow.