Red Deer homelessness on the rise as ‘cycle of clean up’ continues

Recommendations of a report stemming from that notice of motion include:

Consistent Mitigation: Maintain The City’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available at this time to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

“The City’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent, Social Wellness and Integration Supports.

“In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered.”

Kelloway says actions proposed are about building and expanding on work the City is already doing.

“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” says City Manager Tara Lodewyk.

“Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of clean up.”

Lee’s notice of motion specifically called for the following:

Reducing the time to dismantle encampments.
Preventing establishment of encampments.
Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity.
Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter.
How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past five years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed.
That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response”.

Mayor Ken Johnston was asked by rdnewsNOW Friday about how Red Deerians should feel hearing that homelessness is still on the rise.

He says, “to state the obvious,” that this is a layered and complex issue, adding that with inflation, boosted interest rates, developers not being able to build, and known stressors such as mental illness and addiction, the perfect storm for homelessness lingers.

“Don’t feel that this is just a Red Deer problem. Homelessness is on the rise across the country, with young people in particular,” he says, saying the city is not going backwards.

“People who are educated are up against incredible housing challenges, newcomers are up against it, and developers are up against it. Rates are coming down now though and communities like ours are understanding that we need to broaden zoning.

Johnston continues: “The neighbourhoods of the future need to understand that there has to be an evolution towards greater density, and commitment to housing more people.”

On a positive note, he says, multi-family home construction in Red Deer is increasing, but the province and feds still need to step up to the plate and do more.

The City of Red Deer will put forth a resolution on permanent supportive housing at the Alberta Municipalities convention, taking place in our city later this month.

The City will also put forth a resolution calling for a provincial shelter strategy.

Johnston agrees the reported rise in homelessness enhances the impetus to figure out the city’s longstanding shelter issue.

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rdnewsNOW will have more coverage soon on what Red Deer is bringing to the table at the Alberta Municipalities convention.

More detailed information is available in the City Council report located on the Council Meetings and Schedule page.

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Red Deer homelessness on the rise as ‘cycle of clean up’ continues

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