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A Few More Homeless On Vernon Streets

A Few More Homeless On Vernon Streets

Jul 24, 2018 | 6:35 AM

Vernon’s homeless numbers have increased slightly since last fall.

Annette Sharkey from the Social Planning Council says a census last week showed 158 homeless, five more than the fall.

She says it’s a provincial issue.

“We’re not different from other communities in some way, or doing something to make this issues worse in Vernon. We’re simply in the midst of a provincial housing crisis and a record low vacancy rate.”

Sharkey says  70% of homeless respondents said they had been here a year or longer.

“Of the people surveyed, approximately 60 per cent either grew up in the area or have family living here. This is compared to 76 per cent in the census last fall.”

She says the long term solution of more housing is being worked on.