Cariboo temperatures have quickly dipped below freezing, causing concern for the many unhoused individuals battling the cold.
Temporary shelter options are available for those without housing, including motel rooms, confirmed Marnie Jensen of the homeless outreach program at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) South Cariboo Branch in an email to the simplymastery.
The same motel room standards apply to everyone, whether staying there by choice or due to needing shelter. For some unhoused individuals, this may not be suitable for their needs. As such, shelter operations staff will work with the individual by providing transportation to another shelter location or housing option, said Jensen.
Shelter support from the CHMA is offered on a case-by-case basis, as individuals’ needs vary depending on the barriers they are facing.
Additionally, Jensen noted the fluidity of housing issues, ranging from short-term indoor stays on couches, with friends or sheltering on the streets.
Mayor Maureen Pinkney said statistics for the unhoused in 100 Mile House are unknown due to things like couch-surfing, stating that missing these individuals in a formal count is a concern.
Currently, around 25 people are receiving or have been offered support through the CHMA, said Jensen, with some funding from BC Housing.
For those needing shelter, Marnie Jensen at the CMHA can be reached at 250-706-7599.
