The operator of The Loop is reiterating a call for a permanent, year-round shelter on the North Shore after a Kamloops man had a narrow escape last week.
The man – who goes by the name Austin – found himself in the back of a garbage truck after the bin he was sleeping in was picked up.
Austin later said he was able to push himself to the top of the truck and peek out, and was spotted by the driver before he could operate the compactor, which would have likely been fatal.
He then walked barefoot and bleeding into The Loop Drop-in Centre a few blocks away, according to operator Glenn Hilke.
“I just happened to come out of the kitchen and I saw him eating a muffin while bleeding onto his muffin and plate,” Hilke said on the NL Noon Report.
“We saw that he needed stitches and we were about to take him to the ER when a paramedic showed up asking if I have seen anybody in here that might have had an incident with a dumpster.”
Austin was transported to Royal Inland Hospital where a deep gash on his head was stitched up.
Hilke says the whole incident is another reason why the City of Kamloops needs a permanent, year-round shelter on the North Shore.
“This is not fair for businesses, this is not fair for citizens, this is not fair for residents – to see that people are just doing whatever they can do to get through the night, and finding themselves behind buildings, behind businesses, in people’s backyards and dumpsters,” Hilke added.
“Until we make that decision that we need more shelter spaces on a permanent basis this is just going to continue.”