KELOWNA — They’re out of sight, out of mind and that’s part of the problem. When you think of the homeless, your mind probably shifts to someone sleeping on the street or begging just to get by. Turns out, for the most part, that isn’t the case.
“For every one person you see on the street there are four people who are hidden homeless. Couch surfing, no permanent address. A lot of people don’t recognize that as homelessness,” says Michelle Ng, a member of UBC Okanagan’s Faces of Homelessness project.
It’s a disturbing trend all across B.C. that’s hard to measure because it’s so hard to track. But the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. (SPARC) has released some concrete stats about those on the brink of homelessness, and those who may be forced out on the street may surprise you.
The latest census data from 2011 shows 970 Kelowna families are spending 50 per cent more on their rent. That number has climbed 10 per cent since 2006.
“When you’re spending that much on your house, you can’t afford food or other essentials,” says Lorraine Copas with SPARC. “Income assistance rates haven’t increased in years, you’re looking at the last increase in 2006 and families are facing high housing costs here in Kelowna and elsewhere.”
While there’s no quick fix solution, UBCO students taking part in the Faces of Homelessness Project are simply hoping to spread the message.
“If we can change a couple peoples’ minds about what homelessness is that would be great,” says Brianna Lawrence, “in my mind it helps to reduce the stigma and change it.”
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