Homelessness can be an uncomfortable topic because having no place to live is something most people can't even fathom. It's also a complex issue to properly define and address, but it's one that should start with compassion.
It's a difficult topic because people don't want to assume responsibility for such an overwhelming problem when it's much easier to pass judgment and absolve themselves of responsibility.
Many people want to believe homelessness could never happen to them and those who find themselves in that situation only have themselves to blame. The truth is somewhat more complicated and nuanced. Some of the causes of homelessness have also been perpetuated or exacerbated by governments, economic factors and society at large, making them systemic issues.
It's disingenuous to say an oxy addict is solely at fault for their disease when the over prescription of pain medications due to corporate greed and corruption created the opioid epidemic.
It's ignorant to think Indigenous homeless are somehow less worthy of assistance when it was racist government policies and religious institutions that created and enforced residential schools and created inter-generational trauma.
It's reductive to believe all homeless people are criminals or addicts.
In fact, local statistics show the majority of homeless people within Ponoka are just struggling to meet their needs due to unemployment and poverty.
According to data collected by the Vulnerable Persons Tracking Tool, which is being piloted with Ponoka FCSS, of the 304 client interactions from June 12, 2024, to Nov. 24, 2024, the risk factors for those seeking assistance were: 117 for basic needs (38.8 per cent), 75 for housing and 76 for poverty.
Only 35 had risk factors for alcohol (11.5 per cent), and just 14 were for drugs (4.6 per cent).
Furthermore, while there is evidence to show the homeless population has grown since 2018, there is currently no basis to assume the unhoused living in Ponoka aren't local.
In 2018-19, a survey conducted by the Ponoka Homelessness and Housing Committee and the Alberta Rural Development Network found that 14 of the 15 people surveyed were born and raised in Ponoka and spent their time in both Ponoka and Wetaskiwin.
There are two barriers to combating homelessness: first is for society as a whole to accept their moral responsibility to act to reduce the suffering of fellow human beings, and the second is then to create viable, sustainable solutions.
Society bears the responsibility for creating an environment where homelessness is happening in increasing numbers and society cannot just wilfully ignore these marginalized individuals and call themselves blameless.
While some easily dismiss social responsibility as socialist thinking, how a society cares for its most vulnerable is a true mark of its level of civilization.
Ponoka needs some 'whole-picture,' humanist-led solutions that effectively create positive changes and help people get off the streets into a long-term, stable situation on a path toward wellness and security. But how can this be done?
Ponoka has caring, dedicated and compassionate volunteers, agency and faith leaders. Many are working hard to help treat the symptoms and provide some of the basic needs of the vulnerable population (food and clothing) but support, direction and funding are needed to address the root causes of the problem and not just treat the symptoms.
The Ponoka Mat Program is an example of a local initiative that had passionate volunteers and leadership. Tragically, the program folded due to a lack of support. Understandably, they needed more volunteers and support from other agencies and local government to keep operating.
The Town of Ponoka has responded to the growing concern over homelessness by removing overgrown foliage, shutting down encampments and cleaning up biohazardous materials through its Community Peace Officers. It has also passed a derelict property bylaw that will increase taxes for landlords who don't keep up their properties.
While cleaning up hazards from public spaces is important, trimming bushes, shutting down the encampments and encouraging people to "move on" does nothing to actually assist those who were living there; it is neither humanitarian nor effective.
What happens when those people are asked to leave? The items and garbage are cleaned up and thrown out and order is restored. Problem solved, right?
No. The people will come back to where they are familiar and will then be in need of items again, such as those sleeping bags and winter clothing that were thrown away, and they will return to already over-taxed local charities and organizations to replace those items or perhaps steal to meet their needs.
If the town wants to make an actual difference, instead of gardening, it should be looking for ways to support local agencies and create umbrella solutions to address homelessness. Imagine what might have happened if the town had funded staff positions for the mat program. That was a practical program that had a real, tangible impact that should not have been allowed to close for want of support.
Shelters with detox capabilities, counselling services, and transitional housing are needed. Everywhere.
Whether or not Ponoka wants to attract more homeless or not, they are already here. When there aren't local services available, the only recourse is to try to get people a bed where there is a shelter, which further burdens centres that are already overcapacity.
The solution then is not to oppose the building of shelters locally in smaller, rural centres, but for more rural centres to build their own shelters with wrap-around services. If local resources were available, people could stay and be treated in their own communities. Municipalities need to accept that reality and take responsibility for their own homeless populations.
Those with the capability to affect change should be consulting with the experts who have been fighting in the trenches: ask the executive director at your local FCSS; ask the directors of homeless shelters what they're up against; talk to addictions specialists; talk to specialized mental health care providers; talk to the homeless.
Care for them. Help them. They are your citizens regardless of how they came to be here. No human being should have to suffer or die from exposure, lack of nutrition or access to medical care simply because of apathy or catering to the comfort of the majority.