KAMLOOPS — While it was off to a slower start, the storage facility for Kamloops’ homeless on Victoria Street has seen a steady stream of use.
Now nearly a year into operation of the mini storage building, the partnership between the city and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society appears to have proven its worth.
Central to a number of outreach services, Social and Community Development Supervisor Natalie Serl says the facility has seen an uptick in use over the winter months.
“As we made more connections with folks on the streets, and the different agencies that can refer people to having this opportunity for them, then we certainly saw it pick up more,” she explains. “And then we saw a big spike of usage in November.”
That uptick was due in part to cold weather bringing people indoors, and a push to get people in to the nearby Mission Flats transitional housing.
“There are people who have gone through the assessment that gets done, so they are hopeful in waiting for a unit,” Serl explains. “And there’s people too that still need to warm up to the idea of participating in social housing of some sort.”
Along with giving people a place to store their belongings, and an actual address to use for mailing, Serl says another bonus of the facility is being able to keep in touch with people.
“We need them to check in on a weekly basis. That helps us make sure that they’re doing okay, and we can connect them with other services,” she says. “The people who work here with the Aboriginal Friendship Society, they build that relationship with people who have a bin here.”
Chris Butcher, Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, says they see about 100 people per week checking in and out, and using the 64 bins offered.
“Their life is on their back, and they need somewhere to park on a temporary basis, or even long term.”
So far, Butcher adds, the facility has not had any problems arise between staff and clientele, and are seeing those relationships pay off.
“We do have a lot of understanding that we’re dealing with many clients who have medical issues, mental health issues, and consequently, we’re also referring and assist them with contacting their agencies.”
With the expected approval of another federal grant, the city says the storage option will continue to be offered seven days a week to those living on Kamloops’ streets.
“It’s operating based on grant funding right now, so I do hope to be able to keep it open as long as we can,” Serl adds. “It’s been very well recieved, it’s a very valuable service, and as long as we have funding for it, it should be able to continue.”
