Ile-a-la-Crosse Trying to Tackle Homelessness

Ile-a-la-Crosse Trying to Tackle Homelessness

Friday, October 22, 2004 at 14:42

The village of Ile-a-la-Crosse has hired a coordinator to help it deal with the problem of homelessness.

Norman Johnson has been on the job for just two weeks now, but already has a good idea of how prevalent the issue really is.

Johnson says most homeless residents are forced to spend their days travelling from one relative’s house to another with little time to think about furthering their education or getting a job.

As well, Johnson says many elders who once lived in the bush nearby have been forced into the village because their homes are not fit to live in anymore.

Johnson says it is hard to fully understand the impact the situation carries for those affected, as homelessness is hard to see in northern communities.

Johnson says he will soon be forming a committee to help develop a long-term strategy to address the issue.

One potential remedy the village is looking at is converting the old hospital into affordable housing.