Langley homeless outreach group urges government to step up

First the heat, then a flood, now some extreme cold — this year’s been tough for many in B.C., especially those experiencing homelessness.

With heavy snowfall blanketing the Lower Mainland, a volunteer group in Langley looking to do more for the vulnerable population.

Kimz Angels is an outreach group that offers support to those who are on the streets, giving out supplies and, in some cases, a warm place to stay.

“These people just need someone to listen to them, to share their stories, and help them. No they’re not, as they call them, a case-by-case. They’re not a case, they’re not a number, they’re people,” the namesake of the group, Kimberly Snow, told CityNews.

She’s frustrated government support doesn’t sufficiently help people suffering from homelessness. Snow believes there’s too much red tape in the government, and says by the time a decision that could help someone get off the streets is made, it’s too late.

“We all have fulltime jobs but we make the time to come out and care. That’s all I need is these people that are government, or offices, or businesses, companies — just come out and see what it’s like. Don’t just sit in your office and make a decision, what can and can’t be done,” Snow pleaded.

Snow is just the latest major weather event the region has had to deal with in the last couple of months. Just days ago, extreme temperatures moved into the Lower Mainland, bringing overnight windchills of -20 C and lower in some areas.

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As a result of the inclement weather, various cities and organizations have opened up emergency shelter spaces. However, there have been instances of facilities reaching capacity, forcing volunteers to turn some people in need away.

Snow says homelessness is only getting worse as the years and months go on, further exacerbated by addiction and mental health issues.

“It could be your son, your daughter, your mother. They’re real people and they treat them by a case,” Snow added.

She’s hoping to get enough funding to open a shelter but notes larger organizations get higher priority for those government dollars.