By roger knoxMorning Star Staff Jun 06 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Vernon RCMP have not been approached by the owner of the Sigalet building to evict those who erected a tent city at the site of a proposed shelter over the weekend. Insp. Steve McVarnock said his office has not been called and asked to lay trespassing charges, while Cpl. Henry Proce added that police are well aware of some of the individuals lodging in the tent city. “We did patrols and we have recognized six individuals who are prolific offenders,” said Proce. “These people are not homeless, they are just there to take advantage of the situation. “We are not, however, first-line responders in this situation. We are an agency partnered with other agencies in this matter, and all agencies have to work together to find a solution.” Proce said Howard House has told police that they have six-to-eight empty beds every night, but doesn’t know why males (it’s not a co-ed facility) are not going there. No drugs or alcohol are permitted at Howard House.
McVarnock promised regular patrols of the area until the shelter opens. “Our office has worked hard to clean up the downtown core, and, no, we’re not happy that this is up. We don’t like what we’re seeing,” said McVarnock. “This (tent city) is an unexpected curveball. It is private property and we’re acutely aware of those there who are criminally active. We will make our presence known there.” The inspector said routine patrols will help, but the issue is very complex and won’t be solved overnight. "We need to work with the community towards a long-term solution,” he said. “Hopefully, by maybe the weekend, these people can be inside and this will all be just a blip on the radar screen.”
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By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jun 06 2007
Tent city forms
A tent city has sprouted up on a downtown Vernon lot, and action is underway to deal with the situation. Complaints from businesses and residents arose after some homeless individuals set up mattresses, tarps and tents in the parking lot of the Sigalet property on 32nd Street. It’s believed some of the individuals had the impression they could bunk down in the parking lot because the building on the site has been leased for a shelter. “None of the team involved approved this,” said Barb Levesque, with the John Howard Society, one of four organizations trying to establish a homeless shelter in Vernon. “We’re left to deal with this and we will.” On Tuesday, a dumpster was moved on to the site to clean up most of the items, although not all of the tents were removed. “Our intention is to do best by them (homeless) and the community,” said Levesque. The publicity over the tent city almost jeopardized the lease for the building. “We have a very patient landlord and we respect his needs,” said Levesque. “This is only a temporary location and we’re still looking for a permanent location for a shelter.”
Many of the homeless are aware of the public debate about their presence on the property. "We’re human beings and we understand the concerns,” said Dave. “But this is all we have. We’re not concerned about how it looks. We’re concerned that when it rains, we want a dry place to be.” Dave and the others moved to the Sigalet property after being asked to leave the Upper Room Mission. He says they group together to provide safety, but there is a problem with drug dealers who don’t live there coming on to the property. “We’re afraid of what happens in the dark.” That concern is shared by Don, who was helping people pack up items Tuesday.“I moved away from here because of what was going on,” he said. Levesque points out that many of those living in tents have addiction and mental health issues. “These are profoundly difficult people to serve and the drug dealers and organized crime prey on them,” she said.
The goal is to renovate the building as soon as possible so the shelter can open.
Two plumbers have volunteered their services to install showers and toilets, but donations of plumbing supplies are required. “This tent city shows the level of crisis and the need for action. Non-profit groups can’t do it alone. We need help from the community as a whole,” said Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council. Many of the homeless have also committed to getting the building ready. “Get us in there and let us paint. We just want a place to sleep,” said Dave. Anyone wanting to donate to the shelter can e-mail info@socialplanning.ca.
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