Shelter forced to turn clients away

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2008

Beds are at capacity at Vernon’s homeless shelter. The Gateway shelter opened its doors a week ago and the 13 beds for men and 12 for women are proving popular with those generally accustomed to living on the street. “The men’s floor has been full every night,” said Barb Levesque, with the John Howard Society, which has the contract to operate the facility. “Unfortunately, we’ve had to turn people away which shows the need. We don’t have enough beds.” The situation is the same in the women’s dorm. “During the first three nights, we had 10 women which is concerning because it’s not that cold outside yet,” said Juliette Cunningham, president of the Vernon Women’s Centre, which is responsible for the women’s beds. “We only have 12 beds and the numbers (of clients) is pretty high already.”

Many of the men seeking a place to sleep at the shelter have jobs.“They are really having a hard time finding affordable housing,” said Levesque. Beyond cramped quarters, those running the shelter have also had to contend with a backed-up sewer line that caused damage to the lower-level resource room. Repairs will have to be done to some walls before the area is available.The resource room is supposed to provide a number of services, including health care, assistance finding housing and drug and alcohol counselling. “On the men’s floor, the case workers are meeting with them there right now,” said Levesque. Opening the 12 beds has also been a busy time for the Women’s Centre. “We are trying to get organized and staff are getting used to a new (operational) model,” said Cunningham. Some neighbouring businesses were concerned that locating the shelter there would increase criminal activity in the area, but Levesque is pleased with the security measures in place. “The surveillance cameras outside of the building are doing their job,” she said. “The purpose is to protect the people inside the shelter. We don’t want drug dealers and johns hanging around.” Clients using the shelter have also been notified that crime is not wanted in the neighbourhood. “We make it clear that if they want to stay here or access our programs, they can’t be on the street for illegal activity,” said Levesque. Levesque added that the John Howard Society is committed to working with the RCMP and merchants to ensure security issues are addressed.“We want to hear back from the business community,” she said.