Future home of new homeless shelter on Albert Street (91.9 The Bend Photo)
YMCA ReConnect has been meeting with the residents of the Albert Street tent city.
More than thirty tents have been set up on city-owned land.
Spokesperson Trevor Goodwin says the needs of the individuals are being identified and what services are required.
“What barriers are out there for them to not be accessing them at this time? And for when the new shelter opens, how can we make the transition from living rough in tents and so forth to the new shelter seamless?”
Goodwin says they are also trying to identify others who may be living in tents elsewhere in the city.
He adds the organization’s mission is to re-connect individuals back into regular society.
Goodwin says individuals may be facing numerous issues such as addictions, lack of affordable housing, obtaining identification or even transportation if they are employed.
He adds ReConnect is now working with the City to provide a portable toilet and water pump stations at the Albert Street site.
Goodwin says RCMP have been monitoring the site and he says the last report showed no influx of crime in that area.
