THUNDER BAY — With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing, there are still dozens of people living in tents across the city.
As of last week, Elevate NWO had reports of 59 people living in encampments throughout the city, compared to 15 or 20 at this time last year.
Elevate NWO executive director Holly Gauvin calls the situation an uphill battle, adding that she thought the first snowfall would have meant there would be fewer people on the streets.
"Everywhere is full. People are being put on waitlists for space that isn't available," Gauvin said on Wednesday.
At the height of the summer, outreach workers at Elevate NWO were serving over 200 people through their encampment outreach program. That's triple the number of individuals the service connected with last year. And even though client numbers have gone down significantly since then, workers are still going out and meeting with individuals daily.
"Bringing food every morning, helping clients connect with much-needed medical care. Often, a DSSAB worker will go out with us and help connect people and fill out housing request forms," Gauvin said.
"We'll shuttle people to and from medical appointments if they need it. We help them to connect with income support. They need to have an exit strategy."
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board said their outreach staff counted 28 people last week, and 18 on Thursday, in known encampments in the city.
Gauvin stressed that while outreach workers are doing all that they can with what they have available, she's worried people on both sides are being set up for failure with the lack of shelter and housing availability in the city.
Elevate NWO has transitional housing for clients, some of which have been there for more than two years because there's nothing else available.
Gauvin added that survivor's guilt can put people trying to help at risk.
"If someone's previously experienced homelessness and opens their home to a friend or family member, they are putting themselves at risk," she said, mentioning potential issues for people in supportive housing or rental units that could put their tenancy at risk by having guests staying with them.
While there are properties across the city that could be used as shelters or for indoor "tent" communities, Gauvin said there isn't the infrastructure in place for them to be utilized.
Community members have also complained about encampment in residential neighbourhoods, but Gauvin asked those residents be patient.
"I understand it's a challenge and I understand it's a problem. But trust me when I tell you, they don't want to be in your neighbourhood any more than you want them."
"Please be kind because you can't imagine how difficult it is to be out there everyday."
Monetary donations are always accepted, and Gauvin noted they will always accept clean sleeping bags, blankets, tarps as well as clean warm winter clothing and outerwear.
