SOUND OFF: Shelter operators deserve more support from government

Meanwhile, similar scenarios continue to play out in Vernon, Penticton, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Merritt and Kamloops. Shelter operators in these communities have written an open letter to BC Housing, the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and mayors and councils in the region, outlining the many struggles they are facing.

The shelter operators note employees are completely burnt out. They come into the job wanting to make a real difference, only to find it dangerous, under-paid and under-resourced. In the middle of a labour shortage affecting numerous sectors in B.C., how do we expect to attract people to these important roles if their working conditions don’t improve? Shelters require funding to enhance security measures not only for the protection of workers, but for those staying in the shelters as well. Everyone deserves to feel safe.

Shelter operators are also frustrated by the lack of meaningful outcomes for those in need, particularly for those with complex health issues. In their letter, the operators say, “The cycle of bringing challenging persons in from the cold, to shelter them in the most basic of temporary shelters, to provide the barest of supports, to make limited investment in health, skills, and real housing; and then to have them exited back to the streets on the first day of spring with a tent and well wishes, has become an exercise in futility at best.”

It’s my view that this NDP government has failed in its commitments to build more housing and provide adequate wraparound supports for our most vulnerable. In 2017, there were nearly 2,000 permanent shelters in B.C., but the NDP has only added 360 more permanent shelters during its time in government.

Where is the housing minister? Where is BC Housing? Where is the IHA? The silence is deafening. It cannot be left up to cities and community organizations to not only figure it out on their own, but to take the heat from citizens who wonder why no action is being taken to get people the shelter they deserve.

It’s unfair, and the province needs to step up quickly before we get much further into the winter season. Lives may depend on it. With incoming Premier David Eby, who previously served as housing minister, set to be sworn in on Friday — I hope this will be among his top priorities.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo

SOUND OFF: Shelter operators deserve more support from government

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