Author: susan.teed@gmail.com

The failure to protect humans in poor weather conditions, leading to individuals being forced to sleep in the elements or in cars, while simultaneously imposing charges for keeping animals unprotected, raises critical ethical and societal concerns. This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive and equitable approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all living beings during poor weather events.

Firstly, the inability to provide adequate shelter and protection for humans facing extreme weather conditions reflects systemic failures in social support systems and emergency response mechanisms. It highlights issues such as inadequate affordable housing, insufficient emergency shelters, and gaps in disaster preparedness and response efforts. These shortcomings can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income individuals, the homeless, and those without access to reliable housing.

Conversely, the imposition of charges for failing to protect animals during poor weather demonstrates an inconsistency in how societal priorities are reflected in policy and enforcement. While it is important to ensure the welfare of animals, the disparity in treatment between humans and animals in the context of extreme weather reveals a troubling double standard and a lack of equity in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the comparison of these circumstances underscores the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to emergency management and community support. This includes initiatives to enhance affordable housing options, establish sufficient and accessible emergency shelters for all individuals in need, and implement non-discriminatory policies that prioritize the safety of both humans and animals during poor weather events.

In addition, this situation calls for a reevaluation of existing legal frameworks and regulations pertaining to the protection of both human and animal lives during extreme weather. It prompts a critical examination of laws and policies related to homelessness, emergency assistance, and animal welfare to ensure that they align with principles of social justice, compassion, and inclusivity.

Ultimately, addressing the failure to protect humans in poor weather while penalizing individuals for not safeguarding their animals requires a comprehensive and compassionate response. It necessitates a coordinated effort involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and the broader community to address root causes, mitigate disparities, and uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or species. Only through a concerted and empathetic approach can we strive to create a more just and resilient society where everyone, human and animal alike, can find safety and security in the face of poor weather challenges.

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society

When encountering individuals who appear to be struggling and downtrodden on the street, it can evoke a range of emotions and prompt questions about their social support networks. The people we meet in such circumstances may have complex life situations and varied reasons for their current state.

Some of the individuals we encounter may have faced personal challenges such as loss of employment, financial hardship, or health issues. They may also be dealing with mental health concerns, addiction, or homelessness, all of which can contribute to feelings of isolation and despair. In some cases, these individuals may have experienced strained relationships with their friends and family, or they may not have any significant social connections to rely on during difficult times.

In considering the absence of friends for these individuals, it’s important to recognize that there could be several factors at play. Their friends may be unaware of their current struggles, they may have lost touch over time, or they may themselves be facing challenges that prevent them from being present and supportive. Additionally, the stigma surrounding certain issues, such as mental illness or substance abuse, may lead individuals to retreat from social interactions and limit their ability to seek help from friends or loved ones.

The feeling of sadness that arises when observing these situations can stem from a sense of empathy and a desire to understand the root causes of their circumstances. It may also prompt reflection on the broader societal issues, such as access to adequate mental health resources, affordable housing, and social services, that can impact an individual’s well-being and support network.

It’s important to approach these encounters with compassion and to consider ways in which community support and resources can be extended to those in need. Engaging in conversations, offering assistance or directing them to relevant support services can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity within our communities is crucial to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to social isolation and distress.

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society

….. So many stories we could share…Dave… Some background on Dave… A week earlier he had been hit by car. And now a week later Dave could not move his legs due to the accident and lack of nourishment. Dave was found and an ambulance called… Two days later during the evening, Dave was released from hospital – no shelter, no place to go…

Wow! Homeless, and just released from the hospital 9 pm at night… the harsh reality of no shelter and no sense of security on this rainy cold night, We were welcomed by Dave after a phone call that had alerted us that Dave needed help… Sylvie and I received Dave with open arms on this rainy cold night… We provided him with an oven-fresh muffin from the oven which Sylvie had prepared, with warm nourishment, a couple hot burgers, sleeping bag, dry warm coat, dry socks, hand warmers… restoring his hope and dignity. Witnessing his transformation filled our hearts with immeasurable joy, for there is no greater feeling in the world than being able to offer love, compassion, and support to those in need. In giving him all that he needed, we not only helped him find stability, but also reaffirmed the profound impact of kindness and empathy in making a positive difference in someone’s life.

So much love ❤️ 🕊️🙏 as we wanted Dave to see and feel Christ’s love from our hearts.🕊️💔❤️‍🩹

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society

More Humane thoughts needed when exposing the homeless to the elements💔☠️ … MY FIVE TOP REASONS 💔

1. Exposure to moisture: Wet slushy rain poses a higher risk of exposure to moisture for the homeless compared to hard snow and cold. The slushy rain can seep through clothing and blankets, leading to wetness that is difficult to escape from. This moisture can cause hypothermia and exacerbate existing health conditions.

2. Lack of adequate shelter: Finding suitable shelter during wet slushy rain can be particularly challenging for the homeless. While hard snow may provide some insulation, wet slushy rain can quickly penetrate makeshift shelters and make them uninhabitable. This lack of protection can lead to increased discomfort and health risks.

3. Difficulty in staying dry: Staying dry becomes much more challenging in wet slushy rain as compared to hard snow and cold. Snow can often be brushed off or shaken off, but slushy rain saturates everything it comes into contact with, making it difficult for the homeless to keep their belongings, clothing, and bedding dry.

4. Health hazards: Wet slushy rain increases the risk of health hazards such as trench foot, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses. The prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to skin problems and other health issues, making it harder for the homeless to maintain their health and well-being.

5. Access to resources: During wet slushy rain, access to resources such as dry clothing, warm blankets, and hot meals becomes even more limited. As Many shelters CLOSE AND DON’T accommodate everyone seeking refuge from the rain, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the homeless population.

In summary, wet slushy rain presents unique challenges for the homeless population, including increased exposure to moisture, difficulty in finding adequate shelter, staying dry, health hazards, and limited access to essential resources. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened difficulty of surviving wet slushy rain compared to hard snow and cold.

We need to change the definition of what “extreme weather” means in British Columbia on Vancouver Island… this current weather is more extreme than the cold.

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society

CLOSED, CLOSED, CLOSED.

How Horrible is this the extreme weather shelter is not open in the Oceanside area due to these criteria’s ☠️🙏. Note if this doesn’t change there will be more people filling the hospitals unnecessarily due to these horrible weather conditions that we are going through now. As well as deaths that can be related and contributed to battling these weather conditions while living and sleeping outside…☠️☠️☠️☠️🙏🙏

On the streets of the Oceanside area… The decision to open an extreme weather shelter is typically based on a combination of temperature and weather conditions. The specific criteria for opening such shelters can vary depending on the location, local government regulations, and the organization operating the shelter. However, in general, extreme weather shelters are often opened when temperatures fall below a certain threshold, usually around 0°C (32°F) or lower, especially when combined with other factors such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds.

For 2024, the specific temperature and weather conditions to open an extreme weather shelter in British Columbia would likely be determined by local authorities and organizations involved in providing emergency shelter services. These decisions are often made in response to weather forecasts, emergency management protocols, and considerations for the health and safety of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing.

It’s important to note that extreme weather shelter policies and guidelines can change over time, so it’s essential to consult with relevant local authorities, emergency services, and shelter providers for the most up-to-date information on when and under what conditions extreme weather shelters will be opened in British Columbia, Canada in 2024.

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society

In the heart of our neighborhood, we found
The poor, the sick, and the afflicted abound
In shantytown, where love was needed most
We sought to give, to comfort, to host

With open arms and a generous heart
We brought food, blankets, a warm coat to impart
For those in need, who had so little to claim
We offered love, compassion, and a comforting flame

Beneath the cold, nasty night’s embrace
We stood with hope, to bring warmth and grace
To share in their burdens, their sorrows, their fears
And offer a listening ear, wiping away their tears

In every face, we saw resilience and might
Amidst adversity, they still held onto light
So together we basked in love’s gentle glow
As we built a bond that would continue to grow

For in finding the poor, sick, and afflicted in our midst
We discover the power of love to persist
To uplift, to heal, and to mend every soul
Bringing warmth, comfort, making broken hearts whole

Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society