People staying at Charlottetown encampment look for ways to stay warm

The handful of individuals remaining on the encampment on the Charlottetown Occasion Grounds are searching for methods to remain heat after smoke stacks and different security hazards have been eliminated beneath the supervision of fireplace and police officers final week.

About 5 individuals have been on the encampment Tuesday as snow fell on tarps, wood constructions and any private belongings that stay.

“All people’s simply confused proper now as a result of they simply got here in and took what we wanted to outlive and left,” stated Dave MacDonald.

One girl was selecting up some garments to spend the night time at a good friend’s home, whereas others have been getting ready for one more night time out within the chilly.

Folks staying on the encampment stated they’ve been utilizing a number of blankets to maintain heat the previous few nights. However when gadgets get moist, there is not any solution to dry them.

MacDonald stated he has been looking for a authorized supply of warmth, but it surely’s been troublesome with no electrical energy.

Early this month, the federal government arrange an emergency shelter consisting of modular models with beds, washrooms and laundry that may accommodate 50 individuals. Nonetheless, it is just open from 8pm to eight a.m.

‘I am not homeless’

Troy Paynter stated he prefers to remain on the encampment relatively than the emergency shelter. He stated the steel construction is uninviting, and it is troublesome to maintain monitor of belongings.

“Whenever you go by there at nighttime, it appears like a boot camp or one thing.”

In addition to, he would not see himself as experiencing homelessness.

“I all the time inform individuals, I am not homeless, proper. I stay exterior.”