A report about youth homelessness stating “things cannot continue the way they are” is among the topics Penticton city council will discuss at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 15).
The city applied for a grant in 2020 from the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) to address youth homelessness in Penticton.
Findings from that exact report will be revealed to the public on Tuesday, with council being asked to endorse the report and direct staff to work with local youth.
Among the early findings from the research includes feedback from young people themselves.
“There are very limited options available in Penticton for youth experiencing homelessness,” the report states.
“Young people can no longer wait for agencies/ministries to change to help prevent homelessness or provide earlier interventions.”
After mayor John Vassilaki and council are presented with the data that outlines the challenges homeless youth face, the city will have the opportunity to send a copy of the research to relevant federal and provincial ministries.
The data council is set to review, officially titled the Youth-Led Youth Homelessness Research Report, was funded by an external grant and was not carried on with the help of city money.
Tuesday’s council meeting will be conducted through an online format, amid COVID-19 concerns.
People interested in attending the meeting virtually are asked to the city’s website at 1 p.m.
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@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com
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