“It's such a rich area.” “We don't really see poverty here.” “People in this area have a lot of money to spend.” Since I've arrived in the Lakeland region I can not count the number of times I've heard these phrases or similar ones. Almost on a daily basis I hear from someone how well-off people in this area are.
This week I attend a community conversation at the Parent-Child Centre on a project called the Hidden Homeless. With the project, they point out that homelessness does not just mean people living on the streets. Homelessness can be someone couch surfing because they can't find affordable housing, a family who is barely making ends meet and on the verge of become homeless, or a single parent living in sub-standard housing because that's all they could afford.
I can honestly say, that while it is an unfortunate fact, it was refreshing to see that not everyone is blind to the fact that there are people in the area who are struggling. With the current economic situation I'm sure that sooner or later it will become a larger problem, eventually causing it to be put in the spotlight.
The reality is that everyone in the Lakeland is not “well-off”. In fact, the same people that the area is desperately needing right to work in the service industry, are also a lot of the people that are living pay cheque to pay cheque. They're not the only ones. In January alone, the Bonnyville Friendship Centre's kitchen served around 300 people hot meals – and their numbers keep growing.
There is a reason that the food bank is still running. There's a reason that used clothing stores exist. There's a reason that there are programs such as the holiday hamper project and Santa's Elves. That reason is because they're needed, not everyone can afford even the basic necessities such as clothing and food.
During the community conversation, those in attendance shared stories of how they have come into contact with people sleeping in their cars, living in RV's throughout the winter months, and even those who had been staying at a hospital but had no where else to go when released. While sad, it was nice to see that those who went to the Parent-Child Centre that night realize that this is an issue. The problem? Only about 10-15 people showed up to that meeting, despite it being advertised for weeks. I can ensure that that those who believe that the Lakeland is made up of only well-off people and families weren't in attendance.
The purpose of the Hidden Homeless project is, through surveys, to learn about the extent of hidden homelessness in the area. From that, the Hidden Homeless Committee and those at the F.C.S.S. heading up the project are hoping to develop a plan of action to tackle the growing problem.
I hope that when the day comes that the results from the survey are compiled and it comes time for action, that more of the community turns out to rally behind the Hidden Homeless Committee. No matter how well off you are, it only takes one incident such as a sudden job loss or major illness to send anyone into a dire position. Just because you don't see people sleeping on the street corners, doesn't mean there aren't people who are just one pay cheque away from being there.
