UPDATE: Mobile outreach team changing downtown Peace River
It's helping those released into the community that have nothing “and to get them services and get them home before they have to start fighting for survival.”
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The town of Peace River has received support from a mobile outreach team to help business owners with concerns regarding the homeless population, as well as refer those in need to community agencies.
They’ve also been involving the street population to help with bi-weekly clean up, supporting clients with their appointments, and performing regular check-ins.
At a May council meeting, the Sagitawa Friendship Society got approved for $25,000 to hire an outreach worker for a mobile outreach unit. Another $25,000 came from Northern Sunrise County.
A funding request letter has been sent to nearby municipalities since funds run out in March.
“Shortly after we initiated the outreach team, we brought Sagitawa onto the task force so that we can ensure that the task force would support and help with any roadblocks or difficulties that they’ve come along,” says Marc Boychuk, Rural Mental Health project community animator.
The team of three has been doing very well contacting businesses and dealing with clients, he adds.
“We still have a few encampments. We just took down one the other day with the outreach team and moved the people into the shelters. It’s nice being able to handle those with people that know who’s actually living in the encampments and been in contact with them.”
This also makes it safer and easier for bylaw officers and RMCP.
“Unfortunately, we had a person pass away at an encampment [recently]. I’m not sure on the details of what the cause of death was at this time. The main thing we’ve been hearing back [is] it’s been fairly positive from the business owners. We’re contacting a lot of clients, we’re still working hard on connecting with the jail and remand releases, and helping people and medical transports get back home.”
They’ve completed 85 warm handoffs, which is when someone is taken to a service. In the short time they’ve been around, Boychuk says, they’ve contacted 317 clients in the community.
“One thing that we’re looking at doing is, how do we support the mobile outreach team to be successful? We’re looking at second stage housing. We’re looking at maybe additional security supports and assistance along that way.”
Boychuk says he’s noticed a big difference in the downtown area. “But things vary on such a wide scale. I know we still have several prisoners a week dropped off in our community.”
The outreach team is vital. It’s helping those released into the community that have nothing “and to get them services and get them home before they have to start fighting for survival.”
Business feedback has been heartwarming as well, he adds. “This has given them an avenue to know that they’re actually doing something to help people as well. From what I’ve been hearing so far, it’s been going over really well.”
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