A mat on the floor is not a housing solution

I am disappointed in Housing Minister Selina Robinson’s statement on a plan for transitioning campers from Goldstream Park after the provinceimposed deadline of Oct. 2.

In her statement, Robinson suggests transition to shelter as one solution. Campers have consistently stated that shelters are not an acceptable solution and tent cities are necessary until adequate housing is available. I strongly agree.

As a registered nurse working in street outreach, I often see differences in health status between people who are housed and people who stay night to night in a shelter bed or mat on the floor. Supporting folks to maintain their health is difficult in the shelter system.

Individuals are often asked to leave shelters every morning until evening check-in. During these hours, it becomes nearly impossible for a nurse to connect with the individual, for example to assess and treat a severe wound or administer antiseizure medication.

Camp Namegans provides consistency and safety as an alternative to the confusing maze of the shelter system. It provides a space of respite and relief where individuals can return every day, surrounded by their peers who have grown together as a trusting community. In fact, several individuals tell me that they found the camp physically safer than shelters.

If people feel safer and healthier in a tent city, we as a society should applaud their efforts in creating interim solutions to our broken system. Without a doubt, our current approach fails to support their basic health needs. Meaghan Brown Victoria