Petition to the City of Vernon

Safe Temporary Outdoor Shelter Space for Vernon’s Unhoused Residents

We, the undersigned residents of Vernon, are asking the City of Vernon to immediately establish a designated, managed temporary outdoor shelter area for people experiencing homelessness.

At present, many unhoused residents have nowhere legal or safe to go. This creates serious risks for vulnerable individuals and increasing concerns for the community as a whole.

We are asking the City to work with local organizations, health authorities, and outreach workers to create a 

safe outdoor shelter space location that includes:

* Access to washrooms and handwashing facilities

* Garbage collection and needle disposal

* Drinking water

* Safety monitoring and outreach services

* Mental health and addiction support connections

* Clear community guidelines and management

* Pathways toward transitional and permanent housing

A managed temporary shelter space is not a complete solution to homelessness, but it is a humane and practical emergency response while longer-term housing solutions are developed.

Without action, people are left exposed to weather, violence, illness, and displacement with nowhere safe to exist.

We believe Vernon can respond with compassion, accountability, and common sense.

A huge thank you to everyone supporting our petition and sharing it around. 

Just a quick clarification:
Any “chip in” donations made directly through Change.org go to the Change.org platform to help promote petitions — they do not come directly to Packman Opens Hearts.

If anyone wishes to directly support our outreach and advocacy efforts in Vernon, e-transfers can be sent to:
packmanopenshearts@gmail.com

Thank you all so much for believing in what we are trying to do for our community.

Every dollar helps us continue supporting vulnerable members of our community.