PENTICTON — Walking with a limp and one left shoe, Sandra Hall pushes a stroller carrying her beloved dog. The clothes on her back and the items in the stroller are her worldly possessions.
Hall has recently become homeless and hasn’t been able to find a new place to live.
“It’s not just difficult, it’s been impossible,” said Hall.
Hall lives on a fixed income and says finding affordable housing, especially in the summer time, has been a struggle. So she finds shelter where she’s hidden from the public eye and police.
“I sleep where I can’t be seen. I sleep where I can’t be rousted. So the cops don’t come rouse me; I don’t want to wake up at two in the morning.”
Debbie Scarborough with the South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) said she has noticed there are more people asking for help this summer.
She said some motel owners began forcing tenants out of rentals as early as April because they can charge vacationers more.
“It’s really desperate times for so many,” said Scarborough. “They say, ‘We need somewhere to stay. Do you have tents? Do you have blankets?’ That’s sad.”
SOWINS is advocating for second-stage housing and low-barrier housing.
Scarborough said people can offer compassion to the homeless and support by giving food or even a smile.
For those who are interested in donating, Walk A Mile In Her Shoe is happening on Friday, July 8 at Gyro Park in Penticton.