Expect a Proactive Fight Against Homelessness

Instead of merely treating the symptoms of homelessness -- building homeless
shelters, handing out rental supplements -- Calgarians ought to expect their
municipal leadership to address the issues of those in need before they are driven into the streets.

Adequate and ample affordable housing is a necessity in all urban areas, and Calgary is no exception. Many low-income residents, including students and the working poor, rely on affordable housing units as well as rent supplements just to get by.

However, there are many people living in substandard housing or on the streets themselves when in fact they did not to do so. Calgary lacks adequate social programs which could keep people in their homes if their needs were addressed before they were forced out.

What is needed is a greater initiative toward preventative social work whether it be drug-treatment centres, mental health workers, or assistance and support for battered women.

Sandy Jenkins will cooperate with the city, the province, and non-governmental agencies to tackle those major social issues in order to prevent homelessness before it is a reality.

Calgarians expect their leaders to be more proactive in fighting these social problems which too often result in people being forced out of their homes. They can expect Sandy Jenkins to do just that.

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