There is a growing need to help vulnerable Islanders. We must focus on providing shelter for those who don’t have it and provide the necessary programs and services to help vulnerable people get back on their feet.
That is where the Outreach Centre plays a vital role. It provides access to important services to those who need them, such as counselling, employment, and housing.
Absolutely not. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use at the centre. Security will be on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and perimeter fencing is being installed. There will also be an improved intake process to help people get the services they need that are available in the community.
With provincial and municipal governments and community partners working together, we can help address challenges like homelessness, addictions and mental health and create healthy and safe communities.
The Province will continue discussions with the Community Harm Reduction Steering Committee (which includes city council members, police and those with lived experience) to explore options for evidence-based harm reduction strategies that support community wellness and reduce negative impacts on people who use substances.
This will be a temporary location for one year to allow for the necessary time to build a model of care that strikes a balance between the needs of clients and the best interests of the community.
A year will provide the time to ensure the network of programs and services for vulnerable Islanders is coordinated, cohesive and connected.
The goal is to finalize a long-term plan by the end of 2024 for infrastructure and services for vulnerable people at the right location. Beyond 2024, we’ll have a plan that’s well-researched, based on evidence and incorporates feedback from all stakeholders. At that point we’ll begin the process of developing a permanent site.
Safety for everyone is the top priority and we’re very thankful to our partners for helping address this, including the City of Charlottetown and its police force.
We are continuing to work with City of Charlottetown Police and are following their lead as it relates to community safety in the area. The Government is also working with City Police to have Community Police Officers patrolling the area. In addition to the current Community Police Officers, two new officers have been hired specifically to assist with patrolling the new Outreach Shelter area. The City Police has also installed several i-watch cameras in the area.
There is a new security system with cameras installed at the new site which will be monitored in real time. Should it be observed that people are loitering in the area, our security officers can address the concerns at that time. Additionally on-site security will be maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There will be multiple clean-up crews to ensure garbage and debris are cleaned up in public spaces.
Accountability measures for clients will be in place before the centre relocates to Park Street. Appropriate procedures to work with clients who don’t follow the accountability measures or don’t show respect for neighbours, community, and staff will be in place.
The recently established Resident Support Team works to directly address concerns or questions about outreach services at Park Street. The Resident Support Team will be available to neighbourhood residents Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Input and feedback of neighbours helps improve situations especially through this period of transition. The Resident Support Team, is dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment in the neighborhood, to being a good neighbor, and to working to actively address concerns and problems.
With the relocation of the centre to Park Street, we recognize that there may be fear and anxiety among neighbours in the area.
We will hold information sessions with members of the neighbourhood to build trust and understanding with the community. We will work with neighbours to address their concerns about the operations of the centre.
A Resident Support Team will work with homeowners in adjacent and nearby properties and respond to any issues raised.
The Centre will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week for individuals 18+ who are experiencing housing insecurity.
All clients will be required to participate in a triage and safety screening process each day at the security building onsite. Clients will then transition into the main building where they will access services.
Clients have access to a variety of services, including basic necessities such as snacks, showers, and clothing, as well as case management, access to a nurse, mental health support, emotional regulation, peer support, GED and academic upgrading, and more.
Clients are required to complete a more comprehensive intake process to better understand clients needs, goals and objectives.
Case Managers provide wrap around supports to clients via referrals to internal and external community programming, appointment planning, skill development, transportation assistance, etc. Clients will be able to access their belongings and leave the site at any time during hours of operations.
A strict zero-tolerance policy will be enforced regarding the use of drugs, including cannabis, alcohol, and illicit substances, while on site.
The Province of Prince Edward Island will relocate operations to 15 Park Street and close the current centre on Euston Street.
This includes site preparation work, moving mobile units onto the property and meeting the conditions of the City of Charlottetown to operate at Park Street which include additional policing services and continued daily clean-up around the location.
We will be working with the Senior Advisor, operators of the Centre, community partners, clients and neighbours to make a successful transition to the Park Street location, which includes the following operational changes:
- Zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use
- Improved triage and intake process so that the site does not continue to be a catch all location for people, but instead specific support services will be provided
- Move clients through the centre to appropriate services available in the community
- Less loitering allowed around the site
We will hold information sessions with members of the neighbourhood to build trust and understanding with the community. We will work with neighbours to address their concerns about the operations of the centre.
We will communicate with residents and the business community in the area on progress of the relocation.
A Resident Support Team has been initiated to directly address concerns or questions about outreach services at Park Street. The Resident Support Team will be available to neighbourhood residents Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Input and feedback of neighbours helps improve situations especially through this period of transition. The Resident Support Team, is dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment in the neighborhood, to being a good neighbor, and to working to actively address concerns and problems. The team will work alongside the Charlottetown Police Service. A safe and peaceful community for everyone is the goal.