The Founder of a local shelter says they’ve been overcrowded recently, but the cold weather isn’t the only thing to blame.
Harvest House Executive Director Cal Maskery says they used to see up to twenty people staying there at one time, but that number is now up over 30. He says it is because the drug culture in the community has escalated over the last year, more than they have ever seen, “It’s bringing people to a place of homelessness and needing support. it is hard to move them into stable housing when they are still using, so it’s something that a lot of shelters are facing.”
Maskery says they see addicts of all ages, ranging between their 20’s to their 60’s.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, when you are trying to alleviate it. You’re doing everything you can, but you see the numbers increasing. It’s alarming for sure, and heartbreaking,” Maskery says.
He says they see a lot of familiar faces, but for most, it usually takes a number of visits, over several years, before they finally admit that they need help.
“We find the younger ones, they get tangled up in drugs, but they haven’t really come to the end of that lifestyle yet. You offer them help, but then they don’t take it, so you’re providing meals and shelter because they’re in a tough spot.”
Maskery says their recovery program is full, which is 21 men, and they have a waiting list now. The Step Up Housing for men is also full, and they have one or two rooms left in their women’s home. The shelter is full as well.
“In this area, we are definitely seeing overcapacity for the needs of shelter people for sure,” Maskery says.
