‘We’re not living, we’re just existing’: Roadside rest stop becomes makeshift trailer park for homeless
CTV
Weary travellers pulling into roadside rest stops in Abbotsford might be surprised to discover parking lots turned into makeshift trailer parks for those experiencing homelessness.
It’s probably not what you’d expect at a provincial rest area. Weary travellers pulling into roadside rest stops in Abbotsford might be surprised to discover parking lots turned into makeshift trailer parks for those experiencing homelessness.
“I have stopped in here numerous times in the last 20 years and it didn’t look anything like this,” said Darcy Simpson, who stopped at the Bradner Rest Area.
“If I didn’t have to really go to the washroom, I would’ve kept driving,” he said, calling the situation “sad."
Though signs indicate overnight camping is banned, there’s a makeshift shelter as well as people living in cars. But mostly, there’s RV’s and trailers that aren’t passing through, but are parked here long-term.
“I don’t want to be here,” said Sonya, who didn’t want to give her last name.
“I’m embarrassed to be here. I’m 49 years old,” she said.
She’s been living in a trailer with her husband and three grown children for a year-and-a-half, though she initially thought it would only be a few weeks.
