Spring marks start of busy season for Kamloops social agency

Apr 5, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — As the weather warms up in Kamloops, the homeless population increases with more people traveling through. 

New Life Community Kamloops serves the homeless all year round, providing meals, a warm place to sleep, and dry clothing. But it’s in the spring that they see a surge in their client base, with an increase in the transient population. 

“People probably don’t realize a lot of times that the spring, summer, fall are some of the busiest times for us, because as people are moving around, plus you have the locals that are here everyday, the ones that we recognize, so it always gets busier for us,” said Executive Director Stan Dueck. 

The need may shift from warm winter clothing to bottled water and sunscreen, but nutritious food is always required. 

New Life Community is currently looking ahead to their annual Easter meal on April 17, expecting to serve more than 400 plates of food.

“We get both new people in town, we get the homeless, but we also get a fair number of people who have housing, but maybe just don’t have anybody to share a meal with or don’t have a turkey, or don’t have a way to cook in some cases,” Dueck said. “So, we’ll have a room full, no question about it, and it will be a fun time.”

Volunteers are still needed to help with the meal. To get involved call New Life Community at 250-434-9898.