Narcan, free meals given to people at North Fort Myers homeless camp

Reporter: Morgan Rynor
Published:
Presentation items by the retired firefighter. (Credit: WINK News)
Presentation items by the retired firefighter. (Credit: WINK News)

A food truck that visits North Fort Myers every Tuesday to feed the homeless had a special visitor. Someone who teaches homeless people how to use the life-saving drug, Narcan.

Churches in the Streets helps out near the homeless camp behind a Racetrac Gas Station. But that does not sit well with some people.

While most medical professionals agree Narcan is essential to saving lives when people get addicted to Opioids, some people who live near the homeless camp said this attempt at saving people is putting them in danger.

A heart-dropping call for a mom, when she was told her son had overdosed. The rush of mixed emotions took over. But, her son was saved by Narcan.

She comes to special events like the one held by Churches on the Street Tuesday. Luis Garcia, a retired firefighter and paramedic, aimed at teaching the homeless and providing them with Narcan.

“Folk that’s are on the streets many of them have substance use disorder,” Garcia said. “They are at the greatest risk of needing Narcan.”

Homeless people walked away with Narcan. Right after the event, Churches on the Street held its weekly food truck giving away hot meals. But while some neighbors are happy the homeless are being fed, they said it is causing more problems.

Sarah Foley, who lives right behind where the food truck meets, said she feels unsafe.

“I shouldn’t be like hostile and violated in my own yard,” Foley said.

When asked why Churches on the Street comes to the location, it said the people there are in great need of help.

“We’re mobile and everything that we do is mobile,” said Angela Valdes, co-founder of Churches on the Streets. “So we go to the people.”

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