Executive Director. N'Dinawemak - Our Relative's Place. Inner City Leader. Passionate About Indigenous Development.
When it comes to whether or not clearing encampments is effective let me share some of the things I saw while actually standing on the street and speaking directly with those affected. 🗝 Camps are the result of having nowhere to go, so clearing the camp has no impact on that. There is still nowhere to go. 🗝 While the dangers of encampments are obvious to the general public, one thing to remember is that they have collected provisions such as food, basic shelter and hygiene products. Much of that gets destroyed or lost in the displacement process. They have to start over and where do they get those needed supplies? 🗝 They are a community of people who share struggles but have also created a strong bond amongst each other. There is a real trauma associated with continual separation from your street family. 🗝 I know where they go. They go to bus shelters, other encampments and into the hundreds of burned and unliveable properties in the inner city. Just this time they are in dire need of food, water, warmth and other provisions left in the camp. Let's talk about a more human approach: 🔧 It takes a lot of planning using city resources to clear an encampment: trucks, dozers, front end loaders, bobcats, police, Fire, EMT's, city staff, etc.... What if that same level of planning and people and equipment power went into to determining the next step for those in the camp. Sure we have front end loaders but what about temporary shelters. How do we ensure that, as they transition, they do not lose items they need to sustain themselves. 🔧 What community resources (not city resources), social enterprises and local businesses are on hand to share capabilities and expertise? What can the city do to create a dedicated group who is committed to helping solve the problem and not actually bulldoze it out of sight temporarily. Community groups need to be given the support to work together to utilize resources the same way as cities and municipalities. The moral of the story? What can you do to change this outcome? ☮ Volunteer. Be the change. See with your own eyes and heart. Get boots on the ground in your community, even if just for a little bit. Once you see the problem for yourself; you'll know what to do because we are born to care for each other. Reading news stories does not impact you like volunteering does. #communityengagement #homelessnessawareness #loveoneanother #voteforchange #endhomelessness
Sarah Duval
1y
Thank you for sharing the realities of what you've seen first hand Frank. Great to see the message getting out there that removing camps is not the solution.
Mike A. Cuma
1y
Thank you Frank Parkes for being a clear, positive and much needed leader when it comes to this misunderstood aspect of society.
I really appreciate your leadership in this area, Frank. Your commitment is clear and I find your posts to be incredibly informative 🧡
Thanks for sharing this Frank! And for including your thoughts on a more human approach.
Another Captain Obvious moment
Laura Kusko
1y
Thanks Frank Parkes for educating people who may not see and experience this first hand.
Keith Jones
1y
Great points and perspectives here Frank Parkes. Linear thinking and decisions are made with limited awareness and behind conference room glass walls.
National Senior Sales Executive | Social Media Specialist | Moose Hide Campaign Manitoba Champion | Ally
1yWhen one sees an encampment, they automatically think "Why don't they just go to a shelter?" The homeless population don't have a lot of belongings but they do have some and they are valuable items that unfortunately cannot be brought into the shelter. Sometimes those valuables include a support animal. It makes it almost impossible for them to access the services they need.