Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

Homelessness in Grande Prairie

More young people among city’s homeless population

Jul 12, 2022 | 6:00 AM

More young adults being among the city’s homeless population was one of the items contained in a presentation to Grande Prairie city council at Monday’s meeting.

The presentation came from the Community Advisory Board on Housing and Homelessness.

Co-chair Len Auger says people are coming to Grande Prairie from other locations, partly because there is more chance to find a place to stay.

“Sometimes it’s that. Plus, it’s also, they want to get away from the current location they’re at. They may have worn out their welcome wherever they were at.”

Auger says the demographics among the homeless population charge regularly.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Affordability, addictions, and complex needs were among some of the causes of homelessness looked at during the presentation.

Auger says a lot of people applied for CERB when they were already on AISH, resulting in their AISH payments being cut off.

“So, that, in itself, CERB did create some other issues. A lot of people are denied AISH even though they are probably entitled to it, so that’s a barrier where people don’t have any source of funding.”

“You will get a diversified group and many, many different reasons as to why they’re at where they’re at.”

Auger says there are a few people who come here after being released from the Peace River Correctional Centre. They are transported here when asked where they want to go after being released and come here because of the available services. Auger says most of these people have been charged with what he calls “minor things.”

He adds there is a need for more mats and services for people on the streets…

“It’s a numbers game. Wapiti House can only take so many. Saint Lawrence Centre can only take so many.”

“I believe there are more people out there in the city than what we currently have available for people to spend the night in a mat program.”

Auger also told council that there is a half-dozen or so people who want to stay outside and do not want help.