Kamloops Daily News "Visions 2011 "
Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan is one of many community plans to end homelessness in Canada. Cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Nanaimo, Prince George and Red Deere all have versions of a 10 year plan to end homelessness. Kamloops’ plan is unique in its goal to end homelessness in 5 years rather than 10. There are several reasons why Kamloops is in a position to end homelessness more quickly than some other communities.
One reason the Kamloops plan will be successful quickly is the amazing amount of support that homeless people, and those at-risk of homelessness, have always had in our community. Several agencies, churches, and citizens have been working tirelessly for years and began working together years ago. Much of the success of the HAP will be due to the work that these caring people do every day, and have been doing for years. What the plan provides for these hard working people and agencies is a one-stop shop at the Coordinators office. With one person employed full-time to assist agencies in their efforts to partner and develop long-term solutions, agencies are better able to deal with their heavy work-loads while long-term solutions are being developed.
The development of plans across Canada, in the USA, and the rest of the world will also help with the success of the Kamloops plan. The Kamloops Plan is based on the work that has already been done here and in other communities, and as such has gained years of experience in a very efficient way. Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan is already years ahead thanks to the availability of research from other communities, and the spirit of sharing that has been born out of a concerted effort to work together. Calgary’s plan was the first in Canada in 2007 and the coordinator of the HAP recently travelled there to learn from their progress to date.
The timing has also been advantageous for the community of Kamloops because we are able to point to the successes in other communities when we are trying to gain support for the initiative. The HAP has enormous support from all of the key stakeholders and is working to inform the general public as well. Few other cities can boast the complete support of their City and Council, and we are very thankful for the ongoing guidance from the City of Kamloops. The partnership between the United Way, ASK Wellness Centre, The Canadian Mental Health Association, the City of Kamloops, and the Elizabeth Fry Society has paved the way for the involvement of all agencies, non-profits, faith groups and individuals in Kamloops.
The success of the Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan will affect the whole community. Please join us for the next Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan Public Forum on Wednesday April 6th 2011, at the Alliance Church (233 Fortune Dr) from 6-9pm. We will have information, guest speakers and a question period with the goal of gaining input and sharing information about issues related to homelessness. Please contact Tangie at 250.571.9665 to get more information. Together we CAN end homelessness.
