In 2013 Chuck learned of the death of one of the guys he knew. He died after falling down a flight of stairs at a local shelter. For Chuck this was one of his Popeye moments. Quoting Popeye” That’s all I can stands I can’t stands it no more. Something needed to be done! That began some research on the numbers of deaths in cities across North America. The numbers were alarmingly high in various places. The lack of information and data on the causes of these deaths and that the fact that a lot was not being done about it, was alarming. Chuck began more research and collaborating with other agencies in Vernon and put together a proposal to the city of Vernon to create a Homeless Memorial in one of the local parks, in an area frequented by the local marginalized population. Connect to this page to learn more about the memorial.
Over the past 11 years the issue of homeless related deaths continues to increase. While not all homeless die from O.D.s it is stated that the Opioid Crises is the second highest cause of death in British Columbia. Is there not something wrong with this picture? While homelessness, poverty and addiction conitnnues to become a hot button topic in our city, province and country. We continue to lose people at home and on the streets to addiction. We need to to do things differently. We have to change the way we are thinking and the way we look at this. Otherwise we will continue to see more and more people die from addiction. We have to be the change.
