Residents in Calgary's NW are raising concerns over rising homelessness and safety after a recent incident. What's the solution? 🏘️🚴♀️ #Calgary #Alberta
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Addressing Homelessness in Suburban Calgary: A Community in Crisis
Introduction
The recent incident in Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak, two suburban neighborhoods in Calgary's far northwest, has sparked significant concern among residents. A 64-year-old woman was accosted by an intoxicated man while riding her e-bike, which she believes was an attempted robbery. This unfortunate event has brought to light the growing issue of homelessness in these communities, with residents expressing fears over safety, open drug use, and the presence of encampments.
The Incident: A Snapshot of Growing Tensions
On August 14, 2024, a routine evening bike ride turned into a frightening experience for a 64-year-old woman. She was riding along Rocky Ridge Road N.W. when a man, apparently intoxicated, leapt out of the bushes and attempted to steal her bike. In her attempt to avoid a collision, she fell and sustained multiple injuries, including two black eyes and facial scrapes. Despite her injuries, she managed to fend off the attacker and return home. The woman, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution, reported the incident to the police, who were already familiar with the alleged assailant, believed to be homeless.
Community Reactions: Fear and Frustration
This incident has amplified the concerns of Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak residents, who have been increasingly vocal about the presence of homeless encampments in their community. On local social media pages, residents have shared their fears and frustrations, with many calling for immediate action. The sentiment is clear: the community feels unsafe, and they want the encampments removed.
One resident’s comment encapsulated the growing anxiety: “These encampments NEED to go. They are dangerous in every aspect of the word... Something needs to change quick.”
The Role of Journey Church: A Balancing Act
Much of the community’s frustration has been directed at Journey Church, located near the Tuscany LRT station. The church has been offering services to the homeless, including a warming center during winter and similar support three days a week during the summer. While these efforts are well-intentioned, they have inadvertently become a flashpoint for local residents.
Journey Church’s Executive Pastor, Chris Bilodeau, acknowledges the community’s concerns but emphasizes the church’s mission to help those in need. “We stand with the community and for the community, and we don’t want encampments on our property,” Bilodeau said. However, he also stressed that caring for the homeless is a responsibility that extends beyond just the church, pointing out that the rising costs of food and housing are driving more people into desperation.
The Human Side of Homelessness
Amidst the tension, it’s important to recognize the human stories behind the issue. One woman, who had recently fled an abusive relationship, was found packing up her belongings near Journey Church. She expressed a mix of resignation and defiance when told that some residents wanted people like her removed: “Sucks to be them,” she said, recounting her escape from an abusive partner and her struggle to survive.
The church’s outreach worker, who is also homeless, defended the presence of the homeless in suburban communities, arguing that these individuals are not causing harm but merely trying to survive. “These people aren’t hurting anybody — they barely live,” he said, highlighting the harsh realities faced by Calgary’s unhoused residents.
A Community at a Crossroads
The situation in Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak is emblematic of a larger, systemic issue that Calgary and many other cities are grappling with: the growing homelessness crisis. The city has reported between 150 and 200 homeless encampments across Calgary, with nearly 5,000 calls made to authorities regarding these camps so far this year.
The city’s response, described as “collaborative and empathetic,” involves outreach resources to support vulnerable individuals, but the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate.
The tension between compassion for the homeless and concerns for community safety is palpable. Residents are caught between wanting to help those in need and fearing for their safety and the safety of their neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead: Seeking Solutions
Journey Church has scheduled a town hall meeting on September 5 to discuss the issue with local residents. This meeting presents an opportunity for both sides to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and hopefully, find common ground. As Pastor Bilodeau stated, the church is not dismissing the community’s concerns but seeks to work together to find a solution.
Actionable Takeaways
Community Engagement: Attend the town hall meeting to participate in the discussion and explore potential solutions.
Understanding the Issue: Educate yourself on the factors contributing to homelessness, such as the rising cost of living, and consider how these issues might be addressed at both the community and policy levels.
Support Local Initiatives: If you are concerned about the homeless crisis, consider volunteering or donating to local organizations that provide support to the unhoused.
Advocate for Comprehensive Solutions: Encourage local government and community leaders to consider long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness rather than temporary fixes.
Conclusion
The situation in Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak underscores the complexities of addressing homelessness in suburban areas. It’s a challenge that requires empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to finding sustainable solutions that protect both the vulnerable and the broader community. As the town hall meeting approaches, it’s crucial for all parties to come together with open minds and a shared goal of creating a safer, more compassionate community for everyone.