Vernon homeless census suggests more people sleeping outside

Twice a year a homeless census counts the number of people sleeping outdoors in Vernon streets and parks.

The latest survey was done this week and the numbers are higher than they have been for years. Organizers have also added a new survey component to collect more information about the city’s homeless population.

This fall’s census took a snapshot of the homeless situation of Vernon on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

“One thing they noticed this year is there are 33 people that were actually found sleeping outside. We haven’t seen those numbers since 2008 so it’s been a really dramatic increase over the years,” said Kelly Fehr the director of operations for the local John Howard Society.

All the adult shelter beds in Vernon were also full that night. Fehr said it’s good news that the extreme weather response shelter was able to open earlier than usual this year.

“We are thankful that B.C. Housing has come along side us and has allowed us to open up the mats early,” said Fehr. “Without that there would have been 10 more people sleeping outside.”