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KAMLOOPS - A group aimed to help fight homelessness in Kamloops will be offering an information tour to volunteers looking to engage with more of the city’s homeless population this Saturday, April 28.

Last month, Amy Giddens with Love Hard Kamloops and other community groups started a weekly event in the city’s downtown core to help homeless individuals sleeping outdoors by providing food and supplies. 

Giddens hopes by taking volunteers on a walk to show where individuals set up camp outdoors it will create discussion and impact.

“This is the first time I’ve tried something like this,” Giddens says. "I am trying to develop this into more than just a couple of us handing out a hundred sandwiches and other supplies downtown once a week.”

The walk will begin at 8 p.m. at Riverside Park before the food and supply outreach services begin at 11 p.m.

“It’s just a small tour and discussion along the waterfront and park trails,” Giddens says. “Talking about it on Facebook and in our homes doesn’t quite have the same impact as seeing the camps."

Earlier this month, the city amended park bylaws to allow 13 public spots throughout the city to be used by homeless individuals to set up overnight temporary shelters if there was insufficient indoor shelter space.

Since starting the outreach services in March, the group has been out six times in the city’s downtown area handing out food and supplies.

While Giddens acknowledges the city’s effort to allow temporary overnight shelters for the homeless population, she believes volunteers can also help in making a difference.

"Our volunteers are members of the downtown community willing to do what they can in,” Giddens says, adding that she hopes to meet with city officials in the future to find different options for homeless people sleeping outdoors.

“It’s time to offer something better than bylaw 3594,” says Giddens, referring to the temporary overnight shelter bylaw changes.

For those looking to join the walk or find out how to volunteer, visit Love Hard Kamloops Facebook page.

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