Some people facing homelessness in Summerside being sent to Park Street shelter
CBC
The number of people facing homelessness in the province continues to grow, with overflow from P.E.I.'s second-biggest city often ending up in a Charlottetown shelter.
Megan Champion and her boyfriend have been living in a tent in the woods between two farm fields in Summerside for over a month.
"In Summerside, there is absolutely nothing for couples… we're forced to be split up. And that option is not even available right now because there is the Lifehouse for women, but like, it's full every time you call," she said.
"There are just not enough places."
When she isn't able to access shelter services in Summerside, Champion is sent to Park Street Emergency Shelter in Charlottetown. That doesn't really work for her, she told CBC News.
"I have two young boys who are at my mother's house who I take care of," she said. "I had no way back up to Summerside to look after my kids."
Officials with the province confirmed people facing homelessness in other parts of the province are often taken to the emergency shelter in Charlottetown to find a bed.
That Park Street shelter made up of modular units has been busy. In April, an average of 48 people stayed at the 50-bed shelter each night. In May, that average dropped slightly to 44 people.
The men's shelter in Summerside run by the Native Council of P.E.I. has been pretty much at capacity since the 6-bed facility opened just over a month ago, said Chris Clay, housing co-ordinator with the council.
"We've been full every night. We have a pretty substantial waiting list of people wanting to come in," he said, adding tat more shelter spaces are needed in Summerside.
"I know there are people who have slipped through the cracks and are sleeping outside."
According to officials with the province, there are no low-barrier shelters for women in the Summerside area. That means if someone has been drinking or taking drugs before they arrive seeking a bed, they can be turned away.
The men's shelter is low barrier and doesn't turn people away because they are under the influence.
"I'm hoping our model will show other providers in the province a better way to go. These services are needed no matter what state you are in," Clay said.
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