Two new City employees will start working in their newly created roles aimed at helping Prince George’s unhoused population this weekend.
The outreach coordinators will be responsible for connecting the homeless population to health and social services, such as safe and supportive housing.
“The staff will work closely with our bylaw services officers, as well as representatives from other service providers in the community who are associated with our community safety hub,” explained Sarah Brown, Supervisor of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships with the City.
Since October 12, the outreach staff have been completing orientation for their new roles, which included meeting with agency staff as well as job shadowing with community-based outreach staff and bylaw services.
They will be working out of the PG Community Safety Hub downtown on weekends, late evenings, and early morning shifts to ensure work is being done outside of typical work hours.
According to the City, the outreach coordinators will also meet with downtown businesses and agencies to introduce themselves.
“These positions are part of a pilot initiative that is being funded by UBCM strengthening community services grant that the city received to respond to issues around support and services for the unsheltered homeless,” she added.
Brown says these positions were created in an attempt to build a positive relationship between the City and the local homeless population.
“The outreach staff will be working in tandem with the City bylaws and working collaboratively with social and health service agencies in the community to advocate and connect unsheltered homeless individuals with the services and supports they need,” Brown added.