A waste of time and money.
Those are the thoughts from Together We Stand spokesperson and local resident Amelia Merrick following the city’s failed attempt to remove both the George Street and Lower Patrica Boulevard homeless encampments.
While Merrick recognizes, shelter spaces and social housing options are coming, there is nothing immediate that will help our most vulnerable get through the early part of the winter.
“We do not have long-term housing solutions, we do not have affordable housing and as a community, we need to continue to figure out what are ways that we can effectively ensure that all people in Prince George stay warm over the winter.”
“I can’t imagine how much it cost to hire the law firm, who is from Victoria in order to fight this case. That is something that could have been used to advocate and help solve the housing crisis. I am deeply disappointed in the city of Prince George – I am deeply disappointed that we misappropriated funds and time to launch an ineffective political campaign.”
Merrick believes it will be up to everyone to help end the city’s homeless problem.
“This is not a problem of specific homeless people. This is a community problem and the roots of it date back 30 years ago when our federal government started to cut funding to affordable housing.”
Merrick took the matter a step further and stated the failed injunction was an attempt to make poor people invisible and illegal.
Last week, the BC Supreme Court ruled the George Street homeless camp be removed today (Friday) while the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment stays in place until suitable housing options are found.
Meanwhile, social housing projects are slowly popping up in the northern capital.
The Integrated Housing Model on 1st Avenue, which is expected to open early next year as well as the National Hotel.
In March, a proposal to deliver an additional 50 safe and supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George is currently in the works between the provincial government and the city.
The new homes are proposed for 855 1st Avenue – the same block where the integrated housing model is.
Another facility that has been kicked around as a possible shelter space for our homeless is the Youth Custody Centre, located at 1211 Gunn Road.
However, the Office of Attorney General David Eby recently responded to MyPGNow and stated the facility continues to run as a youth custody services site.
BC Housing is not currently considering the facility for use as supportive housing for people currently living in encampments.
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