A homeless man who was was offered help by Fraser Health after years on the street is still in hospital getting the attention he needs.
James, a well-known man who has been living on the streets of Chilliwack for more than a decade, was taken to Chilliwack General Hospital (CGH) for assessment on Thursday, Feb. 11.
“To my knowledge, James is in the hospital and being looked after. I am thankful that Fraser Health stepped up after I spoke with Dr. Victoria Lee and that James accepted help,” said Mayor Ken Popove.
Mayor Ken Popove wrote a detailed letter to Fraser Health CEO Dr. Victoria Lee on the morning of Feb. 11 asking for proactive outreach to deal with the 55-year-old who people have asked questions about over the years regarding his mental well-being and physical health.
That same day, members of the Chilliwack Fire Department delivered James an elevated structure they made from plywood to protect him from the chilly winter weather.
READ MORE: Well-known Chilliwack homeless man says ‘thank you’ to firefighters for building him a shelter
A man drops something off for James, a homeless man, on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. The plywood structure he’s in was made by members of the Chilliwack Fire Department. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
The Progress chatted briefly with James on Feb. 11 and asked if he had anything else to say to the Good Samaritans who made the structure for him.
“No. Just thank you,” he said.
It was later that day when Fraser Health intervened. When the doctor attended, it was determined that James could not be properly assessed on the street, and he was transported to CGH for further care.
Fraser Health cannot comment on James’ condition due to patient confidentiality. The Progress has reached out to him through Fraser Health but, as of Feb. 19, had not heard back.
READ MORE: Same day well-known Chilliwack homeless man gets shelter built he is taken to hospital
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