Local governments in the Comox Valley and K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation, in partnership with the Coalition to End Homelessness, are asking for community support to offer potential locations where an extreme weather shelter could be located this year.
鈥淔rom approximately November 1 to March 31, we鈥檙e looking for a suitable space to support individuals who are unhoused with necessary shelter and care as we enter the cold and rainy season,鈥� said Jesse Ketler, Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) chair. 鈥淚n past years the community has come together to provide a space, however this year those spaces are no longer available.
鈥淲e are now facing a season without additional shelter beds to bring people inside from the cold. We鈥檙e hoping the community can come together in a time of need.鈥�
Once a location is identified, funding is available from the province for an Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter to ensure unsheltered individuals living in our community have a safe and warm place to be overnight during the winter months.
鈥淭he approaching winter could mean life or death for those without a place of their own,鈥� said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. 鈥淲e鈥檝e heard heartbreaking stories from people who鈥檝e suffered from hypothermia, frostbite, and pneumonia, all of which are completely preventable. That鈥檚 why the shortage of extreme weather shelter space this year is an all-hands-on-deck situation. We鈥檙e grateful that all Comox Valley local governments, outreach organizations, and regional, provincial, and federal partners are working together on this, and we鈥檙e asking the community to consider joining us in the search for solutions as well.鈥�
The community is looking for a location that provides the following:
鈥� Dry and secure space (minimum 1,500 square feet)
鈥� Ideally two locations to support the diversity of needs of those experiencing homelessness, with each space accommodating 20-40 people
鈥� Two washrooms
鈥� Kitchen space is ideal but not required
鈥� Available starting in November through March 31, 2024 ideally from 8 p.m. 鈥� 8 a.m. daily
鈥� Will require fire department approval (proper emergency exits, etc.)
EWR shelters are funded by the Province and operated by local agencies. The agency is responsible for providing the shelter service, building neighbourhood relationships, and working proactively with first responders, RCMP, and other community organizations to meet the needs of shelter guests and the community.
Comox Mayor Nicole Minions is hopeful the community can answer the call.
鈥淲e have seen, especially in the Comox Valley, our residents and businesses come together many times before to rally together with solutions,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his time is no different. The increase in housing insecurity in the Comox Valley continues to show how important working together with all levels of government and our own community relationships are. We ask that you consider what connections for space(s) you may have in the upcoming week.鈥�
Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown recognizes the urgency of the call-out.
鈥淚t is devasting to see the effects of homelessness affecting an increasing number of people,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s winter approaches and extreme weather events become more common the ability to provide shelter is crucial. We are grateful to be collaborating with the City of Courtenay, CVRD and Town of Comox and the Coalition in support of our underhoused residents.鈥�
K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation Chief Councillor Ken Price is happy to see all the local governments collaborating to solve the issue. a solution will be in place.
鈥淭hrough the collective leadership of the Comox Valley within the unceded Territory of K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation, I am pleased with this group coming together to try to come up with a solution for this upcoming serious issue,鈥� he said.
If you have a location that would be suitable, please contact Angela Fletcher, Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, comoxvalleyhousing@gmail.com or 250-218-3752.
According to the completed by the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the area has more than doubled since 2020, jumping from 132 to 272, with the majority of people having lived in our community for more than five years.
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