Report on Crisis Response Pilot Brings Mixed Reviews at Council Meeting

A report updating councillors on the Crisis Response Pilot Project was put forward at the July 7th City Council Meeting. Most Councillors were impressed by the success in helping the vulnerable people get help.

The multi-year project is designed to help vulnerable people in the community – those who are homeless, dealing with addiction issues, and/or mental health problems.

The program is into its fourth year and the report outlines progress. How and what was being evaluated of the project was the main topics among councillors.

Douglas College is doing a detailed evaluation and through the Chair, City Supervisor of Community Planning John Stark spoke to some of the metrics being used to determine the efficacy of the service.

While Councillor Daniel Fontaine continued to state his on-going belief that this type of work should be left to senior levels of government rather than the city being involved, Councillor Nadine Nakagawa made a strong argument as to why the project benefits everyone in the city. In essence, it seems preferable to have these people off the street and being helped, rather than causing many issues in the public sphere, she explained.

Councillor Ruby Campbell spoke to the importance of the one phone number to be called for help. On questions regarding the availability of people answering the calls, it was clarified that the calls were covered 24/7.

Several Councillors expressed their strong positive reactions to some of the anecdotal stories of people who had been helped finding shelter and health care. The Mayor pointed out that the program helped people to avail themselves of the provincial federal programs such as the health care system and housing.

Susan Millar. LJI Journalist