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 Building a Culture of Community Safety in One Generation
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On September 16, 2009 City Council unanimously supported a plan to make Edmonton a safer community. This plan, called REACH, is a long-term strategy that focuses on ensuring Edmontonians feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and in our City. |
Looking beyond enforcement (which is, of course, essential, but doesn't get to the root causes of crime), REACH is about creative and effective programs and strategies that can help prevent crime before it even happens.
The REACH report is a result of a years worth of work by a taskforce of dedicated Edmontonians from all walks of life. It sets a course for us all to help affect a generational and societal change.
I'm grateful for all the time and commitment by the co-chairs, Fred Rayner and Lindsay Kelly and all those who participated in the creation of REACH.
REACH is not only achievable, it's something we, as a community, must support to build a safe Edmonton.
Now the task is to move forward. I urge you to take a closer look at the REACH report recommendations at: www.reachreport.ca
A Place to Call Home: Edmonton's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness Plan Update
Our City's plan to end homelessness, released in February 2009, set out to give those who really need it the opportunity for permanent, safe and secure housing with wrap-around services in place to increase their success rate.
The Committee has been working diligently with the Government of Alberta and Homeward Trust to get the ball rolling. |
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Some of the Commission's accomplishments have included:
- Exceeding our 2009 goal of finding permanent housing for 150 people.
- Obtained approval of the Housing First Plan and Budget by the Province. The target is to house 500 homeless people in the next year.
- Secured Provincial monies for a "pathways to housing" pilot project.
- Establishment of a furniture bank.
- Created the Housing First Action Centre: main functions include securing units in the private rental market and contracting with social service agencies to deliver around the clock services.
More information is available at www.endedmontonhomelessness.com
Chengdu Earthquake Survivors Visit Edmonton
The City of Edmonton had a very unique opportunity this past August to host 18 orphans from Chengdu, China. The youth, who ranged in age from 10-17 years of age, lost their parents in a devastating earthquake just over a year ago.
To show support for this community, our local Chinese community helped to sponsor the visit to Edmonton, recognizing that while it could never replace what they've lost, it helps to consider new possibilities and begin new friendships.
Students from Edmonton's Mandarin bilingual program were paired with the Chengdu youth, who acted as hosts. They had the chance to visit many local attractions from the Fort Edmonton Park to the Telus World of Science and West Edmonton Mall.
The strong support from our local community showed them that there are many, many people who care. Thank you to all those involved, including the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association who raised over $30,000.00 to bring the youth to Edmonton. And thank you to the countless restaurants and businesses who supported the visit with donated goods and services for our guests.
A special thank you as well for our ETS charter bus driver, William Wang, who not only provided safe transport around the city, but Mandarin translation guide services as well.
If you would like more information about any of the news items in this newsletter, or have questions about any City issue, please contact me directly at 780-496-8100 or Stephen.mandel@edmonton.ca.
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