City of Powell River councillors will participate in a local homelessness task force being organized by Lift Community Services.
At a January 23 meeting, council reviewed correspondence from Lift executive director Kim Markel, inviting council’s participation in the task force, which will bring together nonprofit and government agencies with expertise and resources that can support a collective response to community impacts of homelessness.
Councillor George Doubt moved that the city accept the invitation from Lift to appoint a member of council to the task force. When the motion was seconded, Doubt said hopefully, the task force will allow various community groups to get together and talk about what can be done toward homelessness in the entire community, including the regional district.
“It is a valid thing to do and I am willing to serve on that committee,” said Doubt. “I have spare time that I didn’t have earlier. I hope council will support it.”
Councillor Trina Isakson moved an amendment to remove a member of council from the motion and replace it with councillor Doubt.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he, also, was interested in the position with the task force, but he would be quite happy to be an alternate. Councillor Cindy Elliott said the amendment could also include Southcott as an alternate.
The amendment carried unanimously, as did the amended main motion, so Doubt will serve as the representative, with Southcott the alternate.
Markel, in her correspondence, stated that Lift had initiated this task force in response to some of the feedback it had received relating to its housing and shelter services.
“As you know, addressing homelessness requires united and coordinated action from various community partners, and city council insight into these issues is invaluable in exploring big picture, long-term solutions to homelessness in qathet,” wrote Markel. “I kindly request that you consider directing political representation to this task force.”
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