December 22, 2023
As we move into winter, the team at Lift Community Services is saddened and disheartened by City Council’s decision to vote against a temporary use permit, which would allow us to provide overnight shelter to unhoused individuals in cases of extreme cold, precipitation or wind. We are deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of those without shelter in qathet Region right now.
We are hopeful we can work with the City to find a solution so that this essential community service can be provided, and we urge the City to reverse its decision and issue the temporary use permit that will allow us to open our doors overnight in cases of extreme weather to folks who are otherwise quite literally forced to weather the storm. We will continue to advocate for the City to meet with BC Housing to address concerns around community security.
With at least 126 individuals experiencing homelessness in our community, and our current emergency shelter running at capacity, there is a dire need for additional overnight beds and long-term permanent housing in our community. We will be keeping the folks we know (and the many more we don’t) who will be on the streets this holiday season in our hearts.