Homelessness continues to be a major issue for the city of Vernon, although the city has made positive strides, according to a recent report to Vernon council.
Annette Sharkey, executive director for the Social Planning Council of North Okanagan (SPCNO), presented the 2024 final report to Vernon council on Monday, March 24.
The city and SPCNO have been in partnership since 2007. Throughout the 18 years, 209 action teams have been installed, which have included homelessness (62), affordable housing (63), toxic drug crisis (42) and food insecurity (13).
Since the partnership began, over $12 million in capital funding has also been generated for the city's non-profit sector.
"When we first started in 2007, homelessness was the most pressing issue facing the community," said Sharkey. "It continues to be one of the most complex social issues."
Sharkey said that the city has had "some" success over the years in mitigating the homelessness issue.
"Right now, it is unclear who is responsible for funding the health and safety of people sleeping outside or the impacts on the neighbourhood," she said. "It has fallen to the municipality and the local community to provide what is needed."
The Camp Okanagan Outreach Liaison Team (COOL Team) has monitored the number of people sleeping outside since 2009. In its first year of monitoring, the annual count was 60, decreasing to as low as four in 2012. However, as vacancy rates have shrunk, the ballooning effect of those experiencing homelessness has increased.
The most recent count in 2023 showed 81 people sleeping outside, with 198 in shelter beds/temporary accommodation.
"Despite increases in shelter beds and efforts to build new affordable units, people who are homeless continue to identify a lack of affordable housing options as one of their main barriers to housing," the report stated as the next point-in-time homelessness count will occur on April 10, 2025.
Sharkey reiterated the lack of cohesion between governmental groups tackling the pressing issue.
"Having confirmed and ongoing funding from senior levels of government would allow community partners to plan for additional services to address the current program gaps," she said in the report. "It will also help to provide access to amenities requested by people sleeping outside and allow for further
investment in neighbourhood programs to reduce the impacts on businesses and residents."
The social planning update was also the final one of Annette Sharkey's career. After almost 20 years with the city, Sharkey will retire from her position in June.
"I have been in this role for almost 20 years and It has been an amazing journey," she said. "I grew up in Vernon and worked in the community since 1994, and I am very passionate about this work; this has been a dream job."
Coun. Kelly Fehr commended Sharkey for all her work.
"In my view, after seeing the work being done in Vernon, you are the greatest champion that the city has ever seen so I want to thank you for your dedication," he said.
To view the full report, visit pub-vernon.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=11554.
