CITY COUNCIL – Mayor proposes program to help street folks go home

Posted on September 10, 2023 in 'Loops, City Hall, News // 1 Comment

Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson. (Image: Mel Rothenburger)

Homeless people who want to go back to their home towns should get a helping hand to make the trip, says Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.

The mayor will put a motion in front of Kamloops City council Tuesday proposing that a program be established with senior-government funding to make it happen.

Hamer-Jackson has said for some time that many people on the streets of the city aren’t here by choice and would rather return where they came from. His motion suggests that surplus funding from the federal government’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, be accessed to provide transportation costs and, when needed, things like identification.

A “team” including outreach workers, City staff, non-profit social agencies and the mayor himself would oversee the program. It doesn’t have a name yet but he suggests something like Hearts to Home, No Place Like Home or Reaching Home Ride Home.

Hamer-Jackson has never had one of his motions approved by councillors. Here’s the full text of his motion:

“Using surplus of un-used reaching home funds from local social agency. For persons banned from shelters, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Persons that are camping on beaches, side walks, city properties, private properties, and people living in shelters andsupportive housing facilities that want to go home to their communities where they have friends, family, and other support. The team will help people get their identification and help prepare them to travel home or wherever they want to go. The team will consist of experienced outreach workers. The team will consist of the Mayor, staff, and non-profit social agencies. This team could also use funds from the UBCM Strengthening homeless and community grant funds if still available. Also, could advocate from other agencies funded by BC Housing.

“Names to be determined, “Hearts to Homes” “No Place Like Home” are possibilities but not limited to.”