It transpired that the other day I was listening to Councillor John Smith bloviate the Legend of Compassion Park:
In the spring of 2006 Mayor Ferguson stayed the hand of the City then met with the poor unfortunates of Compassion Park, rallied the resources of Abbotsford, finding jobs and housing for those forced to reside in the Park. When all had jobs and housing, when the Park was no longer needed, the City cleaned up the area and all lived happily ever after. Thus it is that the Legend of Compassion Park recollects the events of the spring 2006.
I have heard the Legend told many times; a tale used to show the city is addressing homelessness wisely and effectively.
I decided it was time to acquaint the reader with the actual events and outcomes in order that they can make their own judgment about what transpired. In all fairness I must admit that I am tired of hearing the legend, even more I am worried that the legend is allowing procrastination and complacency on the issue of homelessness by the City.
Mayor Ferguson did indeed hold off on sending in the police and city workers. Whether this was because he recognized the pointless expense of continuously chasing those with nowhere else to go from point to point around the City (although the police and City quickly resumed this chase after the closing of the Park) or whether he was motivated by the front page picture in the Abbotsford News I cannot say.
Mayor Ferguson did focus resources such as Income Assistance on the problem and some jobs were offered. It is from this point in the events of last spring that Legend and Reality begin an ever-widening divergence.
Reality is that finding jobs and housing for the homeless is not fast and easy. However, rather than invest the time (months) required for getting the residents of the Park housing and employment, the City made arrangements for them to be “sheltered” while the efforts of others continued to find housing and employment. Having covered its a** in this manner the City set a deadline for leaving the Park and encouraged compliance by moving in at the deadline confiscating, that is, “cleaning up” any possessions remaining in the Park.
Not only had the City managed to divert public attention from homelessness and avoid any adverse media coverage, the Legend was born giving the city an answer to give when questions of homelessness and poverty arise. Sheer luck or political brilliance it matters not, the result was the same either way.
What were the actual outcomes for the seemingly forgotten residents of Compassion Park? Well the jobs disappeared with the end of media attention and accolades for the employers. With one exception the homeless are still homeless, returning to the streets after exhausting their time in shelter or being unable to sustain themselves in housing.
For the one person who found and remains in housing, it was as much in spite of, as because of the city’s actions. If it had not been for the citizens who gave their time and caring to help, even this single resident of Compassion Park would not have a home today. It is this type of ongoing community support that is a key ingredient to ending homelessness.
A Success? A Failure? I suppose that depends on whether you are listening to the “Legend” of Compassion Park or what actually transpired. For the City of Abbotsford the Legend is a tale that makes it appear the City is doing something or has a handle on the question of homelessness. It allows them to avoid taking any responsibility or actions to help those with so great a need for compassion and a helping hand on city streets.
Lest you think the City is merely delusional and in denial about the Legend and the homeless on its streets let me show you evidence of the fear that Abbotsford has that public attention and concern could force them to provide leadership and action on homelessness.
Below is the City’s demonstrated solution to Homelessness. When in the early spring of this year 2007, it came to the city’s attention that once again there were homeless forced to take shelter in the area that was dubbed Compassion Park, they quickly posted No Trespassing signs, moved in and confiscated the tarps, tents and belongings of the homeless.
The fact that we were in the midst of a 10-day deluge and taking everything left these homeless exposed to the elements made no difference. It was apparently more important to the City that there be no opportunity for news coverage and public attention to return to Compassion Park exposing the unpleasant truth behind the Legend. But then Legends seldom truly correspond to Reality.
