Winter shelter beds at Yacht Club operated by the Mustard Seed. (Image credit: CFJC)

By Doug Collins

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Temporary shelters critical with colder weather

Dec 4, 2022 | 7:55 AM

As we get into the cold months, shelters for the homeless are critical to their survival.

As I write this column, it is minus 17 outside, and even those who are bundled up are cold.

For those living on the streets, wrapped in remnants of an old blanket, maybe wearing a jacket that has seen far too many days of wear, there is nowhere to escape. With nowhere to go to warm up, shelters provide the only opportunity for even a little bit of hope.

Recently, emergency shelters were opened up at Stuart Wood and the old Kamloops Yacht Club building. These places are good for temporary use, but are not designed for the long term.

The biggest problem is that these buildings are not returned in the same condition as they were in originally.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Are the B.C. Conservatives digging their own graves?

3h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

Dec 14, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

We forget that the most marginalized in our society don’t follow the same rules as others.

They are often addicted, facing severe health issues, facing a life or death situation. They live life on different terms. And when they go to shelters, they don’t suddenly turn into different people.

They are used to getting by in whatever way they can. Sometimes, the facilities aren’t really designed to deal with the people who spend time in them. It’s not just a case of opening up some doors and letting people in.

We have to ensure there are enough resources in place to protect everyone, and sometimes even the most sincere of the Good Samaritans don’t understand. Arguments can break out, and that can, in some cases, lead to violence.

The homeless carry everything they own everywhere they go. It’s all they have. And if they perceive any kind of threat, they could react in a negative way.

And so, while these shelters are a blessing when temperatures get so low, we have to staff them with appropriately trained resources.

We must make sure the occupants have someplace to feel secure. And a chance for a respite from the harsh reality of the life they lead, one that threatens their existence every hour of every day.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.