A number of Prince George based advocacy organizations are calling for a greater level of coordination between agencies working to address the city’s housing and health crisis.
Groups like Together We Stand, End Homelessness Canada, Local Food Society and UHNBC Traditional Drummers have signed a letter addressed to Premier David Eby, the Health Minister, Housing Minister as well as MLAs Shirely Bond, Mike Morris and Prince Geroge Mayor and Council.
The letter argues that there has been a lack of coordination across several agencies in the city, which may jeopardize the ability of people to safely and successfully enter into housing.
“As Provincial and Municipal tax payers, we would like to advocate for continued investments to support partnerships that bring community members, non-profit organizations, Indigenous and government service providers together to address the complex crisis facing Prince George,” states the letter.
“We would like to advocate for continued investments to support partnerships that bring community members, non-profit organizations, Indigenous and government service providers together to address the complex crisis facing Prince George.”
The letter advocates for five recommendations to address the issue:
1. Prince George needs a coordinated, person-centered approach. This includes a shared registry so that services are aligned to the individual, not the other way around. It is exhausting for precariously housed people to walk from agency to agency.
2. Prince George needs to develop and enforce a Code of Conduct for non-profit organizations and service providers who receive government funding. The Code of Conduct should be developed in consultation with community and there should be a means to address breaches of conduct.
3. Increase trust and reduce competition across non-profit organizations and service agencies. Lack of collaboration threatens the well-being of individuals, reduces the effectiveness of services and increases costs. The City would be well positioned to lead this effort.
4. Support holistic wellness. Increase mental health, addiction and detox programs, food sovereignty and involve families and communities.
5. Centre our shared efforts on belonging and inclusion. Ensure homeless and precariously housed community members are engaged in the decisions that affect their lives, including an inter-agency Code of Conduct and standard operating procedures.
Advocacy groups in Prince George previously sent a letter to Premier Eby inviting him to tour the community to better understand the conditions of unhoused people in Prince George. During the Natural Resources Forum, Roly Russell, the parliamentary secretary of rural development for the minister of housing took a walking tour of the Lower Patricia encampment known as Moccasin Flats.
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