The Upper Deck Hostel needs to be opened as a homeless shelter now due to over capacity at the current St. Hilda's Church location. The weather is getting wetter and colder and action needs to be taken now.

We urge the District of Sechelt (Mayor Milne or his designate), the SCRD, and the VCH Medical Health Officer to declare a state of emergency on homelessness or issue a temporary use permit and open the Upper Deck shelter location immediately. 

The existing shelter at St. Hilda's contains one co-ed sleeping area that is inadequate and over capacity. Both women and men deserve a safe place to sleep. Currently 60% of shelter clients are aged 55 years and older and 30% of those are women. A woman staying at the shelter, who may have a trauma history, should not be sleeping on a floor mat between men. The situation at St. Hilda’s is no longer appropriate. 

Having shelter is a basic determinant of health. We recognize that a homeless shelter is a first line response for lack of a home. Affordable housing needs to be provided in our community through the cooperation and funding from provincial and federal governments. Overall, more affordable housing is needed for those who are at risk of homelessness- which includes the entire spectrum of youth, families, single people, and seniors- especially those that are vulnerable and/or marginalized. A homeless shelter with expanded capacity and safety is one means to that end.

It's been 2 years since Harry Paul (pictured above) died out in the cold on November 14th, 2015. We remember and honour his passing. Let's prevent this tragedy from happening again. 

We are very thankful to the the people of St. Hilda’s who have generously and compassionately hosted the homeless shelter for many years. 

We are grateful that our local governments are hearing the many voices that support this petition. We thank you for taking immediate action to open the Upper Deck as a homeless shelter now.