Kelowna city council candidate Darrin Fiddler doesn't just have opinions on how to help our homeless population, he actually helps them.
As an outreach worker, it's his job.
"I've always wanted to represent the under-represented," said Fiddler.
"They need someone to take their side on things."
He applauds council for much of what it has done in an effort to address the problem, but he believes they deserve a better advocate in council chambers.
"Since I started, I've seen a lot of problems that I never even thought of before I started advocating for the homeless people."
Now he believes it's time for him to take that advocacy to the next level.
"I've been studying the homeless and drug and mental health situation for quite a few years now and I see where the deficits are," explained Fiddler.
Like many people, he believes in 'housing-first', but he believes it's falling short of what's needed.
"Everything helps, but it's still not enough," he said.
Fiddler is an indigenous person.
He believes it's about time there was a presence from that community in council chambers.
"Absolutely, "There should be a first nation councillor on, probably, every city council."
The suggestion is emerging that our province needs to return to providing institutionalized care for some.
"There are clients that we have on the street that show up naked at the door," Fiddler said.
"They cannot take care of themselves," he said. "And they need care."
To check out all of the candidates, visit KelownaVotes 2022.
Voters go to the polls Oct. 15.
