The issue of homelessness continues to be a problem in Williams Lake.
Wayne Lucier, the city’s homeless outreach worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association says he usually has a lull in calls for help during December and January.
“It’s usually quiet before and after Christmas but not this year,” Lucier says.
He says the Cariboo Friendship Centre’s emergency shelter has continued to be filled to capacity every night and he knows of four people who have chosen to live outside.
Lucier says he is working with about 50 people who are making do whatever way they can, couch surfing or staying with friends or family because they can’t find affordable accommodation of their own.
“I am still doing an average of two intakes a day which has never happened before at this time of year,” Lucier says. “And I only work with people who are absolutely homeless.”
He says there are some women and children in need of accommodation but the majority of his clients are single adult men.
“It’s not because we have a lack of housing in Williams Lake,” Lucier says.
“It is because people can’t afford the rent.”
He says the average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $600 a month and the social assistance rate for single person is only $610.
To qualify for assistance he says people have to show they have been independent for two consecutive years.
“It hurts young people the most who are just leaving home,” Lucier says.
Lucier says he is also always in need of furniture donations for people when they do find accommodation.
Lucier can be reached at the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch by calling 250-398-8220 or visiting the office located at 51 Fourth Ave. South.
