Addressing Homelessness

This is one of the most important issues to the people I have met while door knocking. There’s no single solution. However, we can learn from past efforts that addressed the unique needs of our community. The following is a summary of my approach. It is based on your input, I have given special consideration to those who work in mental health and directly assist homeless individuals.

Jurisdictional Problems:

Homelessness falls under provincial responsibility, with the province funding most shelters, while non-profits often manage them. The city, however, plays a crucial role in zoning and advocacy, ensuring shelters are placed appropriately and lobbying for resources where needed.

What doesn’t work

Large shelters near residential areas, schools, and businesses have caused disruptions, leading to a significant increase in social disorder calls. While these facilities provide crucial services, their impact on surrounding communities cannot be ignored. The Fairhaven shelter led to a 3 fold increase in social disorder calls to protective services. Some of you have first hand experience of problems. Chief Arcand, a man who does admirable work in this area, has recently voiced support for relocating the shelter.

What might work better?

Innovative suggestions I support include microshelters dedicated to particular groups of low risk homeless. For example a 6 to 10 bed facility could be created for single families or veterans. My son’s family lives next to a small Egadz home, which has caused no problems and is something they are proud to support. This type of approach could be particularly useful for the situationally homeless i.e those that have just lost their home. It would provide a separate environment away from high risk, individuals.

Protecting Communities while Providing Support. For higher-risk individuals, shelters located away from residential and business districts might be a better option. A free shuttle service, similar to that offered at one Calgary shelter, could transport them to the shelter and help reintegrate them into the community each morning by dropping them off at key service locations like Prairie Harm Reduction or Social Services.This would help separate them from the gangs and drug traffickers that might prey on them.

Evaluation

Whatever solution we implement, it must be evaluated regularly, ensuring that it benefits both those seeking shelter and also the surrounding community. Data-driven decisions will guide us toward more effective and compassionate aid.