- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Thursday, October 2nd, 2009
Calgarians Go for Round Three
Third Annual Homeless Awareness Drive Begins Friday, October 2nd
(Calgary) Concerned Christians Canada (CCC), is formally announcing its third annual awareness drive, uniting Calgarians, in an effort to bring attention to the lingering homelessness crisis in Calgary. Christian groups along with individual Christians and other concerned Calgarians will engage in a Night On The Street for the homeless on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 starting at 7 PM at the steps of City Hall. CCC indicated that Calgary's homeless population is more desperate than ever for a leg up and out of their poverty situation.
"Some people are saying that the problem is going away, but the reality is, that it is not. According to those who work with homeless people, in the trenches, on the streets of Calgary every day, there are more people on the streets now than there were a year ago. The recession didn't just effect middle class and upper class citizens, but pushed more people on the lower end of the financial spectrum out of their homes, and onto the streets. What's worse is that the City is actively attempting to brush the issue under the carpet and hide the problem," said Jim Blake National Chairman of Concerned Christians Canada.
Concerned Christians Canada is raising many points that they say need to be dealt with right away, indicating that the ten year plan to end homelessness has not resolved the homelessness crisis which still faces our city. CCC says that it seems that main thing that has happened over the last year with regard to homelessness is that the homeless have fewer places to go and receive a colder shoulder to their needs and struggles. CCC is calling for immediate action, indicating that there needs to be relief for low income households and people on fixed incomes from municipal taxes. They are asking the City to bring forward a tax incentive program that would encourage business owners to employ homeless individuals seeking employment. They have also proposed a public/private partnership program for low income housing, opening more spots for those in need.
"In previous years people have frozen to death on the streets of Calgary, and since there are now families in desperation due to high taxation and a damaged economy, it would be tragic if children were among the list of casualties this year. Let's work together as a city, and a community of caring citizens to ensure that Calgarians at all income levels are warm and cared for this winter," stated Mr. Blake.
Concerned Christians Canada is continuing its commitment to be a voice for those in need, and hopes that the third annual Night on the Street for the Poor will successfully draw more attention to possible solutions that can ease people's pain and suffering. All concerned members of our society are encouraged to come and join us in being agents of awareness raising the banner for Calgary's less fortunate. The Night on the Street event will take place at the steps of City Hall at 7:00 pm October 2nd. Night on the Street "awareness agents" are being asked to bring a sleeping bags and a sense of adventure. Food will be served, by certified food handlers, to the homeless and to individuals who who participate in the event. Questions and interview opportunities will be restricted to media representatives that attend the event.
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