The number of people experiencing homelessness who use the two newly established overnight shelters provided by the City of Campbell River is "extremely low," according to a new report.
Only one to three people per night have been using the temporary overnight shelter located at city hall since it opened on Oct. 11, states the report by Jeff Ford, the city's director of community safety.
During the last week of November and into early December, no individuals have used the site, while there has been almost no camping at the second location in a section of Robert Ostler Park, which opened on Nov. 1.
RELATED: City of Campbell River approves two overnight shelters in downtown area
The limited use is mostly due to the sites not providing enough privacy for users, and because the occupants must leave during the day, states the report.
"For the unhoused, this means packing up and moving to other daytime locations for food, services, and support and shelter. For those with disabilities, this can provide a significant impediment to ongoing use."
The report also highlights that some of the ongoing encampments of the unhoused in the downtown area are near service providers.
"Even though overnight camping is prohibited in such locations, camping near harm-reduction services and other supports is a strong motivation for the unhoused," it reads. "While additional enforcement will incentivize the unhoused to move from these locations, there is no guarantee that they will access the City locations given the factors mentioned above."
When council approved new shelter locations in the fall, a $100,000 budget was allocated for establishing the sites.
An additional $206,700 will cover the expenses for full-time static security guards at 900 Alder St., mobile patrols for both locations, and the ongoing dumpsters rentals, portable restrooms, and fencing. However, city staff are reviewing work hours and security presence at city hall due to their limited use.
City staff are seeking more direction from city council on the next steps during a committee meeting on Dec. 10. The topic was discussed during an in-camera meeting.
