The Lethbridge Encampment Response Team saw an increase in the number of calls they received this summer compared to last summer.
General Manager of Community and Social Development Andrew Malcolm says the 27 per cent year-over-year increase is not necessarily showcasing an increase in encampments but rather an increase in public awareness about the resource.
“There is more knowledge in the community about the reporting process and the program which is a great thing. It means we are able to get out there and understand the situations that people are in and offer that hand up through our outreach program first,” Malcolm says. “We have seen some trends in terms of some different areas that are seeing more peak volumes or higher pressures and made us adjust our response a little bit.”
He explains even with having to make those changes, those working in the program have been able to meet the commitments that are set out in the strategy. He adds one of the biggest lessons learned over the past year is understanding every person they come across is dealing with a different situation.
“If you don’t take the time to do that outreach, to engage with them, you can’t actually help them out and are simply just moving the problem or issue around. So when you are able to engage with them and learn which barrier they are facing, and then you can make connections.”
“Then they have a better chance of succeeding and getting to the support they need. So, just making that time available and being consistent with them in that approach, typically means when our guys are out there they are not being met with confrontation, there are no real issues around safety.”
According to the report presented to council Tuesday afternoon, between June 14th and August 26th, there were 134 reports about encampments in the city, with 202 other reports made regarding “debris, mess in a lane or unsightly premises.” Additionally, there were 15 coordinated encampment clean-ups conducted over the summer which took down 160 structures and removed 10,650 kg of debris.
