Camp Pekiwewin issues new demands, collaborates with service agencies – CBC

New demands narrow scope, actionable for government before winter hits, organizers say

Aug 31, 2020

Camp Pekiwewin has issued a new set of demands as organizers partner with inner-city agencies while continuing to pressure governments into lasting changes for Edmonton’s homeless community.

Last week, three high-profile agencies sent staff to the volunteer-run homeless encampment in Rossdale, marking the first formal collaboration between the camp and outside agencies.

Up to eight staff from Homeward Trust, Bissell Centre and Boyle Street will work with the camp to provide housing outreach support. In a statement Friday, Homeward Trust said that so long as people need housing and the camp is operating, staff will work with Pekiwewin.

The new demands and agency collaboration mark the beginnings of a broad shift at the camp, as organizers look to leverage the sprawling emergency relief encampment into a link between campers and housing options before the winter hits.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/camp-pekiwewin-new-demands-service-1.5705725