Efforts continue to link Vernon’s homeless with services and get them out of camps.
Bylaw officers have been decommissioning homeless camps for more than a week.
“There’s been some movement but not at all,” said Clint Kanester, the City of Vernon’s protection services manager.
“We have cleaned up a couple of camps that have been abandoned.”
The city began focusing on homeless camps because seasonal staff that was providing assistance in the camps is no longer available.
“We are working towards connecting these individuals with services,” said Kanester.
Among the agencies involved is John Howard Society, which operates shelters locally.
Kanester admits some occupants of the homeless camps aren’t pleased with the efforts of bylaw officers.
“There are a few that are pretty resistant.”
One complication is that courts have ruled that authorities can’t shut down homeless camps if there isn’t space in shelters.
“If the shelters are full, we will be encouraging affordable housing options and B.C. Housing (for action),” said Kanester.
