'Daily' rise in food bank need and not enough shelter space at St. John's Salvation Army
CBC
As the Salvation Army celebrates five years at one of their St. John’s facilities, they say demand is higher than ever — and they've had to turn people away from shelter beds during this stormy winter.
“We’re seeing a constant increase in the number of people coming looking for assistance," said Pam Goodyear, divisional secretary for public relations.
"Our food bank numbers are increasing on a daily basis."
The food bank registered 1,835 new people last year and served an average of 170 households per week, said Carolyn Reid, executive director of housing and community services.
She spoke at an open house on Friday inside the Ches Penney Centre of Hope on Springdale Street.
The centre offers free meals, supportive housing, counselling, a chapel and skills training.
The Salvation Army also has 22 shelter beds at a building nearby — 17 of which are currently operational.
Those beds are typically full, and they've had to turn people away, said Reid.
Reid said it's sad when there's no room left, but they do what they can, giving out blankets and other necessities.
Reid said they are meeting with community partners like Newfoundland and Labrador Housing to look at extreme weather protocols and what more can be done.
"Everybody is concerned," she said.
Between 480 to 500 people a month are experiencing homelessness in St. John's, said Doug Pawson with End Homelessness St. John's.
About 120 more people experienced homelessness this December compared to last year, he said, and there's not enough shelter space for everyone who needs it.
People are sleeping outside in winter, he said, and often don't want to stay in shelters due to safety issues.
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