A weekly schedule for winter shelter space is up and running in Oceanside, with up to 12 beds available every night through to the end of March. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

STAY WARM

Rotating cold weather shelters operating through Oceanside

Jan 2, 2022 | 5:39 AM

PARKSVILLE — One local organization is banding together all available resources in a bid to ensure everyone has a warm, safe space to sleep.

Perry Perry, a coordinator with OHEART, a group of local churches in the Oceanside region, told NanaimoNewsNOW an eight bed shelter is open at the Oceanside Community Church in Parksville, west of Hwy. 19, for the next few nights.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 3, spaces available for people to escape the cold weather overnight will move to Knox United Church on Pym St.

“We’re trying very hard to work closely with the churches and work around where they do have commitments…or it would be difficult for them to commit any space at all.”

Locations for the remaining weeks of winter haven’t been secured, with Perry and other members of OHEART actively building a schedule of available spots they could set up.

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Funded by BC Housing, the shelters provide a dedicated bed for the night for those who otherwise may go without.

Doors open at 8 p.m. with a hot dinner served.

After a night’s rest, residents are given a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch before the shelter vacates the church during the day.

Two trained staff monitor those staying overnight and provide any assistance needed.

“Everyone who works in the shelter will have at least first aid and some training, experience to administer the [Naloxone] in case of overdose,” Perry said. “There is no drug use in [the shelter] or on the premises of the church but we are always ready to provide first aid if needed.”

The changing location of the shelter, on a week to week basis, is challenging for organizers.

Operation of the nightly shelter must work around the other programming of each church, such as daycares, after-school activities or meal programs.

Extra steps are regularly taken to connect those in need with the shelter, such as posting schedules at different places in town and informing Oceanside RCMP as well as other service providers.

Perry herself offers rides to those in need and fields countless calls on a daily basis. Those needing a ride to the shelter or more information can call 250-927-2717.

“We are just wanting everybody who doesn’t have adequate shelter to be as safe as possible, especially during this cold snap. We’ve found wonderful interest from the community in providing items or funding or food and what we really, really need is the location.”

Perry credited the work of the local church groups who not only provide space but also meals for those staying.

Province-wide, the BC Government is funding more than 1,900 temporary shelter spaces in addition to 400 extreme weather spaces.

The numbers represent a 25 per cent increase over available space in 2020.

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley