After a physical altercation earlier this summer between a homeless individual and a business owner on Bridge Street in Carleton Place, the resulting social media firestorm caused Mayor Toby Randell to organize a homelessness forum hosted by the Lanark County Situation Table.
It was held at the arena on August 31st and no keyboard warriors attended.
The guest speaker was Iain De Jong, an Ontario-based homelessness expert and consultant with more than two decades of experience helping communities prevent homelessness.
A panel comprised of OPP officers, and mental health and housing experts held question and answer session after the speaker.
De Jong pointed out that people often see the symptoms of homelessness, such as encampments, behavior, and individuals hauling their personal belongings around, but never see the system behind it.
He reported that no one can force an individual to get help, and often, when they do accept, there are few resources available to assist. He closed his remarks by stating, “you can’t punish your way out of homelessness.”
Staff members from Lanark County reviewed the resources available such as the Bridge House traditional housing in Smiths Falls and and the Lanark Integrated Frontline Team for examples of how help was being offered.
Mayor Randell noted that these professionals have a real stake in their work.
OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton said one of the biggest problem she deals with is misinformation being spread on social media. She urged the public to not believe everything they read online and to turn to trusted sources for an accurate view. It was a concern that Randell agreed with.
More information can be found at LiftLanark.ca. Hear our complete conversation with Randell below.
Story by Brian Turner
