There have been some surprising headlines in local area newspapers about the growing homelessness situation in Chestermere. A recent grant of $57,662 awarded from the Alberta Rural Development Network will increase funding to combat this unsettling situation over a present one year term.
As we look about town it’s hard to fathom that living in this community doesn’t guarantee affluence and stability.
It has become apparent that behind some doors in town basic needs are not being met. There is an assumption that to live in Chestermere must guarantee a certain level of lifestyle that is even above average.
The truth is not so as seen by the Town’s Community Services Department. Danielle Fermin, newly appointed Community Resource Coordinator told me that there are houses both in town and the surrounding area where the fridges are empty and there is no furniture. Although we don’t’ see the typical signs of homelessness such as people looking for shelter with backpacks or wandering about with shopping carts it is still a real situation for some residents. Fermin has even met people that are living in their cars.
This new funding will allow Community Services to connect individuals and families to the support and resources they need for getting back on their feet. On an average day Fermin’s department sees 1 to 3 requests for food assistance and has 5 ongoing clients facing homelessness.
A question that gets asked is how does this happen especially in a community like ours? Sometimes a family breakdown happens or a family may be hit by a crisis. In short there is no guarantee in life that we won’t be exposed to a traumatic event that can turn our world upside down.
Cases may involve seniors with adult children still at home having difficulties making ends meet. Other situations include single parent families or persons with disabilities. Some families are even at an above average income level but have overextended themselves. Fermin helps them establish budgets and work towards finding balance and independence.
Chestermere draws people here because of its small town atmosphere, its desired features and the stableness of the community. When facing uprooting from a life changing experience it is very stressful and there are many considerations to be looked at in relocating. Most people prefer to stay in the community they know instead of starting anew especially if they have school age children. The department tries to find affordable local housing if available and one resource is through Chestermere’s Christmas with Dignity.
The aim of the Town’s Community Services is to approach each case in a holistic manner and to empower clients by involving them in the decision making process.
The Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) website states that the not-for-profit organization partners the 21 Alberta’s public post secondary institutions with rural communities in a mandate to improve and enhance rural development through community driven projects. Under the Government of Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy a grant of $425,000 was divided amongst 7 communities throughout the province with the hope of reducing the number of families and individuals facing the loss of their home.
