Homelessness is a pressing issue in many communities, and Quesnel is no exception. The lack of available shelter beds in the city is a major concern for those working in the field. Sherry-Lynn Van Halderon, the Operations Manager at Seasons House, paints a stark picture of the situation. With 25 emergency shelter guests at capacity, 15 in rooms, and 10 in the overflow area, the facility is constantly full. Additionally, there are 10 transitional housing units upstairs, further highlighting the high demand for shelter in Quesnel.
Van Halderon notes that during extreme weather conditions, such as hot summer nights, some individuals may opt to sleep outside or wander the streets due to the lack of available beds. Turning people away is not uncommon, leaving them to find alternative sleeping arrangements. This can lead to individuals couch surfing, sleeping in public spaces like banks or entryways of businesses, or even resorting to sleeping in cars. The reality of homelessness in Quesnel is a harsh one, with individuals from all walks of life seeking shelter and support.
Kelly L’hirondelle, Coordinator at the Grace Inn, echoes Van Halderon’s sentiments, stating that they are consistently at full capacity with 20 clients. While plans to renovate the motel may increase their capacity in the future, the latest homeless count in Quesnel revealed that 123 individuals were experiencing homelessness in March of 2023. This staggering number underscores the urgent need for more shelter beds and support services in the community.
In addition to emergency shelters like Seasons House and Grace Inn, the Society also operates the Bridges Supportive Housing complex. This facility offers 28 supportive housing units and 4 support and recovery units, catering to a different demographic of clients. The variety of services provided by these organizations highlights the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Quesnel.
The shortage of shelter beds in Quesnel is a complex issue that requires attention and action from both the community and local government. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, the need for safe and warm shelter becomes even more critical. It is essential for stakeholders to come together to address this pressing issue and ensure that everyone in Quesnel has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.