Prince George, B.C. – It is  Connect Day in Prince George,  a day when  homeless ( or at risk of being homeless)  can connect with  service providers. It is another in a series of events to mark  Homelessness Action Week which runs until the 18th.

The number of homeless in Prince George has not changed much over the past couple of years says Karey Pateman of the  Community Partners Addressing Homelessness. “We conducted a survey  in June, and while we haven’t  correlated all the  information  as yet,   we had 226 surveys completed by people at shelters or  one of the service agencies.”

She says of that number about 60% could be considered “absolute” homeless as they are living in shelters, or couch surfing from one friend’s place to another.

The survey’s preliminary results show a 2% decline in the number of males filling out a survey compared to 2012 as they now represent 52% of those who took part in the survey.

“Connect Day  is about gathering as many resources as we can in one location so the homeless and those at risk of homelessness can access  those  services” says Pateman.  At least  15 agencies will be part of the event to be held at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre from 10 this morning until 2 this afternoon.  There will also be a lunch provided.

The event also provides free haircuts, photos and a survival backpack to the first 250 to attend.

Donations from the Telus Ambassadors and Lakewood Dental mean the packs will include personal and dental hygiene items.  The packs also have warm gloves, a fleece blanket, a pair of socks, a hat and some bus tickets.

Pateman says  it is important to note there are positive things happening in Prince George to address this issue “Reactivating the Beyond Homelessness Committee was a  great move, as it  makes Council more aware of the issues and where they can make a difference.  The opening of the B.C. Housing  units at the Victoria Tower was also a positive move and there  have been other supportive housing  projects such as Friendship Lodge and the women’s transitional  housing on 2^nd Avenue.  But  the numbers of homeless in Prince George have  remained unchanged , as new people move into the community to access the services  provided.”

Pateman says the challenge that lies ahead is how the community is going to assist the aging population “We aren’t seeing the supports necessary to deal with the multiple problems going on such as mental health and addictions, and the aging population.  Somebody with mental  health issues, or disability issues who is also a senior,  there just isn’t anything available.  Shelters aren’t set up  to deal with those who have medical issues or  special needs.  That is the challenge we have to face.”