The District of Hope is partnering with Fraser Health, the United Way and the Hope and Area Transition Society (HATS) to tackle homelessness.
One hundred per cent provincially funded, a joint project that will take around eight months to complete is intended “to address emergent and ongoing issues of homelessness in Hope.”
“The overall goal is to undertake focused outreach, community engagement, dialogue and education to achieve a greater understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness; with its aim to create solutions together,” said a press release sent out Jan. 14, 2022 by the District of Hope.
The project has four stated goals.
- Improve the health and safety of unsheltered homeless people
- Reduce community concerns about public health and safety in neighbourhoods where homeless populations are seeking shelter
- Improve service coordination between homeless individuals and health/social service providers, along with First Nations and others working to provide services to the homeless
- Increase capacity of local groups and service providers to work with homeless persons and indigenous organizations towards providing culturally safe and trauma-informed services.
The main parties are promising to consult with local groups like the Hope Active Response Table (HART), the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), Chamber of Commerce, senior and youth groups, local First Nations and other members of the community.
Ron van Wyk has been hired as project coordinator by the United Way. He will lead the day-to-day planning, oversee the detailed work, and draft a final report.
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