As the anticipated Veterans Park Memorial Park sweep draws closer, anxiety is increasing among many regarding the future for the residents of the Veteran's Park. Four volunteers ventured out into the inclement weather to survey the campers of services offered by Kitsap county public health officials prior to the scheduled camp sweep in 2 weeks.
A new representative from Living Experience Coalition (LEC), "Jay" joined us this week to provide expertise and consultation related to the dynamics of living unsheltered. Goal is to continue to reach out to our unsheltered residents and offer help according to what they need--not what we think that they might need. Information on the Lived Experience Coalition can be found: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreLEC/
Surveys were distributed by NW Hospitality director, Anton Preisinger, and a few items, like socks, emergency blankets and batteries were handed out to some of the campers in the park. No medical care was accepted, despite hearing of one 62 year old male with a walker who fell and another woman who complained of issues with her feet; another accepted a COVID test kit when it was learned that he was not vaccinated. Education was provided on COVID vaccinations and he was encouraged to consider getting a COVID injection.
Additional Social Determinants contribute to the barriers for these residents: Some living in the park have been employed or are actively seeking jobs, but circumstances are barriers to day to day living: One young man, who was also a father, was trying to fix his motorcycle so he could have reliable transportation--he had been a reliable worker despite living unsheltered until his motorcycle broke down; two women told us of their car being broken into or stolen this week. Unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances contribute to challenges experienced by our unsheltered neighbors.
Approximately 15 people were counted, but many of the residents who have previously camped in the park have appeared to have packed up and left or were not found in their encampments. Encampment residents will continue to be visited weekly and hopefully will be supported regardless of where they end up. The expectation is many of these campers will end up unsheltered somewhere else due to no feasible plan in place to shelter them.
Anyone interested in joining can plan on joining next Saturday at 2:30 pm at Veterans Park in Port Orchard (Kitsap County). Please connect via arisepc2017@gmail.com if interested.
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