Starting in April a new team of community partners, entitled the Pro-Active Engagement and Community Enhancement (PEACE) Team, involving representatives from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), Addiction and Mental Health Police and Crisis Team, Medicine Hat Fire Services, Community Housing, City of Medicine Hat Parks and Recreation Department and the Miywasin Friendship Center will work collectively to identify temporary encampments and provide services to individuals in need.
Outdoor encampments are a safety concern to the community due to the risk of fire and hazardous conditions.
The PEACE team was created to coordinate the efforts of all involved agencies and provide a proactive response to the concerns associated with encampments.
Members of the PEACE team will provide information and resources to individuals in the encampments, including mental health and addictions support if required, and will work to connect those in need with reasonable access to community housing.
Enforcement at locations may occur if primary support options are not accepted.
The PEACE Team will commence operations in April and will provide services until September at which time a review of calls attended, and effectiveness of the program will occur.
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