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Sea to Sky Community Services' (SSCS) Homeless Outreach program received an influx of cash last week, with the provincial government giving the program, and similar programs in eight other communities, an additional $40,000 each.
Local funding was announced on Friday (Aug. 3) following a commitment by the province to raise their funding for homeless outreach programs by $500,000 to $1.7 million.
"This is a great program, and it's something that the province has recognized as being of great value," said MLA Joan McIntyre, as she presented a cheque at SSCS for $80,000, half of which was dedicated to a similar program in North Vancouver.
"It's difficult sometimes to get people to come into the office," said SSCS's Jan Oberson. "So this program funds an outreach worker to go directly to them.
"The person will go out there and let them know what we can do to help, what job training opportunities are available, what services are available."
Oberson could not say how much total funding the province is giving towards homeless issues in Squamish, but did note it has increased in recent years.
"We have seen people paying more attention to the problem," she said.
"Funding has gone up significantly since 2004," said McIntyre.
"I don't think that is because we have seen a huge increase in need in those years. I think that it's because these programs are being recognized and are receiving better support."
However, while funding may be increasing, there remains a significant number of homeless in Squamish, with estimates ranging from 100 to 150 people.
A few of the homeless residents in the area said an increase in funding for the outreach program will make little difference in their day to day lives.
"I'm fine where I am," said Paulie Erikson who lives in a make shift campsite west of downtown, near Sixth Avenue with about a dozen other homeless people who live close to his campsite.
"He talks to a few folks and asks what he can do," said Erikson of the SSCS outreach worker. "He'll bring out paperwork and stuff for folks. He's nice enough I guess but I don't really know what good paperwork is going to do me."
