Reaching Out

Last weeks media frenzy of the Kraut King closing down its doors citing public intoxication as an issue came on the heels of our announcement of additional support for the continuation of our Outreach Program. This is the initiative which helps intoxicated people off the street. The timing is ironic and is a reminder of the challenges that face downtown. I personally saw those challenges last week when I joined my Litter Control team, in full uniform, out on the streets of downtown to pick up litter.

As I was busy cleaning, I noticed an older aboriginal man in distress and intoxicated. I asked if I could help him. He asked me to take him somewhere safe and that he was drunk and that he did not know where he was. He said he was scared. I told him not to worry that the Outreach would be called. "Yes", he said, "take me to the Main Street Project, I need to sleep," and then he apologized. Younger acquaintances of his passed by and his bravado came to light. High fiving, stagger dancing, shouting to a female passerby "hey cutie can you spare a buck", as the public waiting for a transit bus nearby watched the scene, clearly not impressed.

His friends high fived me too and thanked me for helping him and they moved on. He then began to cry again asking for water and told me he was hungry. I told him my team would be there with water and to help in a few minutes. He apologized profusely for causing problems again. He could no longer stand upright, so I helped him to a nearby bench at a Church. Then as an older woman passed by, his energy and bravado returned, and the cursing began again. The woman knew him. She said she was his wife. She too thanked me for helping, and she moved on, too, telling me she can't help him, and did not want him.

During this 10-minute episode I witnessed why some people who come downtown feel scared. It is very difficult to get past the bravado and behaviour of these individuals to see and understand what's really happening - that certain segments of our community – the homeless, addicted and those afflicted with mental illnesses - are hurting.

The Outreach team arrived. He was genuinely happy. Our senior staff knows almost every street person, their stories their issues. They truly care about not only addressing the safety issues our business members and the public, but are truly concerned for the street people themselves.

I was reminded that this person needed help, and quickly. Our Outreach program is working, and it needs to continue.

I was also reminded that managing the issue is not enough. Helping the number of intoxicated, homeless and people afflicted with mental illnesses get off the streets, permanently, is where we need to go as a City.

The Outreach team is on the front lines. They observe, listen and talk to the people that they help off the street. These people see their own issues, and are trying to get to the solution. They fear for their safety, not only what they will do to themselves but what others will do to them. They want a safe place to live where they won't be evicted because of their issues. They need help to deal with their addictions. Lastly many want to work.

In the last six years, we have seen more and more stakeholders in our City understand and slowly support these ideas and programs as long-term solutions; joining other cities with similar issues.

Older notions and opinions of shutting down hotels, where some of these street people live, and moving liquor stores has not worked. It has not worked for Main Street, nor will it work for any other area. These less fortunate will find another downtown place to hang out and another place to buy cheap substances, and the cycle of despair and social disorder will continue.

Today, there are more businesses opening every month, more people living, working and visiting our downtown, despite these challenges. There is no doubt that the continued re-investment and redevelopment in our downtown will carry on. This is testament that Winnipeggers are tolerant and understanding. But we were reminded last week that Winnipeggers want a fully and completely revitalized downtown, one that includes helping an older person with serious addiction issues, which today not many are willing to stop and help.