Summerland is in need of a home for the homeless, an anti-poverty advocate says.
John Bubb, treasurer of the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, said the food bank knows of 10 unhoused people in the community at present, with seven men and three women. In the past, this figure has been as high as 14 people, he said.
In addition, there may be others who are experiencing homelessness but are not using the services of the food bank.
Bubb鈥檚 comments come after Summerland bylaw services and public works staff attended nine encampments and two illegal dump site cleanups in May and June. Bylaw officers have said there is an increase in the number of encampments within the community.
Bubb said the food bank is working with a committee of members from other organizations to set up a home for those experiencing homelessness.
He said the food bank, now operating out of the Summerland Alliance Church, 14820 Victoria Rd. N., is able to provide support including food and a shower facility in place. However, the food bank is not able to provide accommodations.
鈥淚 believe a community should take care of its own homeless people,鈥� he said.
Janet Peake, president of the food bank, agrees.
鈥淚 believe society should be compassionate for the ones who need our help,鈥� she said.
At the very least, she would like to see Summerland provide a temporary shelter, for cold weather during the winter.
A year-round facility would be preferable. However, Bubb said providing such a facility would be challenging.
He added that provincial funding may be available for such an initiative, but acquiring this funding would require council support.
鈥淭he food bank would absolutely love to be a part of an effort like that,鈥� he said.
At present, construction is underway on a 60-unit affordable housing facility on Henry Avenue.
However, when this project came before the Summerland council in early 2024, there was vocal criticism from some in the community about having this facility in the community.
Earlier, in 2021, an affordable housing proposal suggested for a vacant property on Jubilee Road East also met with significant opposition and concerns from people living near that area.
