Cowichan community leaders are asking for help to address the housing and opioid crisis in the region.
A number of local leaders -- including Chief William Seymour, MP Alistair MacGregor, MLA Sonia Furstenau, area mayors, Regional District and School Board Chair -- have had 2 meetings to discuss the challenges being faced in the community. A 3rd meeting is scheduled for next month.
In a news release the group says every service is overwhelmed, underfunded and under attack, and service workers are exhausted.
The group says the community needs low barrier shelters, more funding for staff, security, and neighbourhood support for the services that already exist, including a needle pick up program.
The leaders are also calling for additional support for mental health and addictions services, treatment centres and follow up services, a youth shelter, and affordable supportive housing for seniors.
The group is encouraging the public to get involved and write to the provincial and federal governments urging them to step up.
There are also organizations working on the ground every day to support the growing needs and challenges. Everyone and every service is overwhelmed with need, underfunded and under attack. Exhausted service providers need community members to ask what they can do and how they can help.