Homeless

 The homeless people are a big problem in our community, as they gather in parts of the town that could be used for many different projects to help the community. The parts of the town where the homeless have gathered, have made it difficult to see some of the beautiful sights in my town. They have been kicked put of multiple difference spots but these spots have not been cleaned up after the homeless people have left. There are a couple of parks around the town where you have to be extremely careful when you go to them, because of all the needles. 


The community has done many things to help the homeless such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters and safe injection spots. During the winter and summer there are buses for the homeless to warm up or cool off away from the elements.  When I was younger, we gave out homeless packs to help them.  They consisted of things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, water, food etc.  

 The homeless have used things that weren't meant for them and they have mistreated them, such as new public washrooms downtown.   After the public washrooms were built, the homeless people started using them as a shelter and a place to use drugs.  The drugs and homeless people got to be there so often that people wouldnt go near the bathrooms and it harms the nearby businesses.


These photos are just one example of the many different places for the homeless people gather.


The photos consist of small camps that I photographed from a distance for privacy. The bigger camps can't be photographed as it would be too difficult to conserve people's privacy.


Comments

  1. AshleyApril 30, 2025 at 8:08 AM

    It’s really sad to see so many homeless. There are many who desire a different lifestyle and yet some who seem to lack any desire to change. How do we help the root of their problems?

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  2. AshleyMay 1, 2025 at 5:54 PM

    here was a small homeless population while we lived in Vernon in the 80’s. However, the main factors causing this were unemployment and alcohol abuse. Drugs were not the main issue. It’s a very sad constant in most of our communities, now. I believe affordable housing, with appropriate supports in place, would be a good start to having an impact on this issue.

    I was impressed with how your pictures honoured the privacy of those who are homeless in your area, and what you did when you were younger to offer help
    Nanee

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  3. AimeeMay 6, 2025 at 11:37 AM

    I remember being able to walk the streets of Vernon at night with my friends as a teen. I never had to worry about my safety. That is not the case today, sadly. I don't know what the solution to this major problem would be. There are so many factors involved - and so many do not wish to be helped.

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