The City of Cranbrook is taking steps to address and dispel rumours regarding the community’s homeless population.
Marcel Germer, the city’s Social Development Coordinator, has embarked on a monthly communication project to discuss Cranbrook’s social landscape.
Dubbed “Let’s Get Talking,” Germer said it will address the realities and rumours circulating in the community.
“We are just trying to provide accurate information. We are giving a venue open to questions or feedback from the public,” said Germer.
“We’re trying to present the information as factually, honestly and transparently as possible and hopefully build a better understanding of what’s actually happening in Cranbrook.”
Part of this initiative is meant to get ahead of any concerns residents may have.
“The social landscape looks a little different than some of us may be used to,” said Germer.
“Fear is created in the unknown, so I think if we can talk openly and honestly about these challenges we’re facing right now, we can dispel that fear and build understanding.”
Germer said a rumour regarding homeless people getting bussed into the community is persistently circulating Cranbrook and social media.
She said this is unequivocally false.
“BC Housing first took over the Travelodge, it was for a COVID shelter so unhoused people who needed to isolate had somewhere to go,” explained Germer.
“There has been some reporting that some individuals were brought here from outside of the community. They were being released from the hospital and had nowhere to isolate, so they were brought here. It was a very minimal number.”
Cranbrook’s status as a regional hub is also part of the reason for the rise in homelessness.
“We have some services here that people may be travelling here to access. Oftentimes they may be brought here with no way to get back or they come here on their own and they do not have the means or the money to get back home, so they stay and become part of our homeless population,” said Germer.
Germer emphasized that there is no single reason for people to become homeless.
“it is a complex intersection of factors including system failures, like individuals being released from correctional systems without support or a plan in place or waitlists; structural factors, such as marginalization and discrimination or housing market financialization; and individual life circumstances,” said Germer.
Germer said her work and that of others who work with unhoused people is meant to improve the quality of life in Cranbrook for all residents.
“We want to decrease crime, the strain on our emergency services and social disorder,” said Germer.
“To do that, we have to address the issues that are creating homelessness, the toxic drug crisis and mental health issues. We need to find that balance to make sure the community as a whole becomes safer.”
A public meeting will go ahead on June 26 allowing residents to ask questions and get answers.
“One of the beliefs since stepping into this role is that we need consultation along the way, so we will be holding a town hall,” said Germer.
“That is a time for people can ask us questions and help us come up with solutions.”
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