Vancouver Officials Expect Fewer Complaints About HEAT Shelters

CBC Radio 1 - January 11, 2010

Announcer: Vancouver officials expect few complaints around this year’s temporary winter shelters. Two of the four low barrier shelters are already full and turning people away. Two more are set to open in the coming weeks in Kitsilano and Vancouver’s West End

Councillor Kerry Jang speaks for the city:

Councillor Jang: What we did this year is we learned from last year and we made sure we took different steps to manage the shelters. For example the bed reservation system is virtually eliminated all the line ups which were the source of the problems before. Residents have a number they can call immediately to get help or assistance if they see anything going on.

Announcer: Jang says this year’s low barrier shelters are open 24 hours a day and equipped with more toilets to help address complaints of loitering and public urination.

The city will house 160 homeless in this year’s emergency shelters until April 30th. In cases of extreme weather the Province is ready to open another 700 beds throughout the city.

Kerryjang.ca © 2010