Victoria homeless camp in desperate need of staff, supplies, organizer says

More staff and suppliesare critically needed at a homeless campin a Victoria park to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and make sure the needs of more than 100 people now sleeping there are met, a longtime advocate says.

Don Evans, formerly CEO of the outreach society Our Place, manages the ad-hoc camp at Topaz Park andis asking anyone withsocial work, security or health-care experience to applyto join him.

The work is paid and applications can be submitted online to the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.

The City of Victoria is allowing thehomelessto sleep in tents in municipal parks as a temporary measure to help people sleeping rough maintain physicaldistancingmeasures during the pandemic.

Topaz Park was chosen by the city as a designated site for the homeless to camp in. The camp is being managed by the coalition, which consists oflocal housing, health and social service providers,non-profit organizations, and government and business partners.

Help wanted

Evans said people are needed to keepthe Topaz Park camp running in an orderly fashion.

The work can include keeping campers from encroaching on the neighbourhood, making sure everyone gets the services they need, and ensuring physical distancingisbeing followed as per public health orders.

"We are still trying to get that better but it is getting there for sure," said Evans, speaking about the distancing measures in the camp on CBC's On The Islandon Wednesday.

Evans said tents have been set up in afield inside a fenced area where services, such as three daily meals and shower facilities, are also being provided. Evans said the majority of the tents, which can sleep up to six but are intended for one person or a couple, were supplied by the city.

"They are all in a row and distanced from each other and [the site is] designed for emergency vehicles to get in," said Evans.

Tents, socks and water welcome

Evans says there is still a need for more six-person tents, as well as bottled water, packaged dry-good snacks such as granola bars, and new packages of socks and underwear.

He said these items can be brought to the camp, which is located in the park just off Blanshard Street. Evans asks people not to donate any clothing aside from the packaged items requested.

"We don't want the virus brought in," he said.

Anyone who has items they would like to donate but are unsure if there is a need, or how to deliver them, can contactthe Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessnessonline.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said the long-term plan is to get homeless people inside. With limited city-owned facilitiesthat can be used, B.C. Housing is working to find places like vacant motels for homeless people to stay in.

To hear the complete interview with Don Evans on On The Island, tap here.

If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us atimpact@cbc.ca.