Homelessness – A Complex Social Issue… What is the Impact of Homelessness on Encampment & City Residents? What are the Solutions?With Mike Fox

Like many other communities across the country, the City of Lethbridge is seeing an increase in individuals experiencing homelessness. Without adequate shelters, transitional and permanent supportive housing in the city, an increase in encampments is being identified throughout the city. 

Many questions, ideas, concerns, and comments have been provided over the last several months regarding the solution to encampments and homelessness. Homelessness is a complex social issue, which requires collaboration from stakeholders across the city, the province and the country. Although affordable housing and homelessness supports are the responsibility of the Provincial Government, Lethbridge City Council recently authorized additional funding allocations to provide more services, outreach support and resources to help the vulnerable population in the city. 

The speaker will explain the complexity of this issue, the jurisdiction of housing, what the city is currently doing and what the public can do to be part of the solution.

Speaker:   Mike Fox - Director of Community Services            

Mike Fox is the Director of Community Services for the City of Lethbridge, and has been in his role since March 2021. His portfolio includes Community Social Development, ENMAX Centre, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, Recreation and Culture, Regulatory Services, Lethbridge Transit, Indigenous Relations and three special Government Bodies – Lethbridge Police Services (governed by the Police Commission), and the Galt Museum & Archives and the Lethbridge Public Library (each governed by their respective Board of Directors). With more than 20 years of leadership in local government, Mike’s dynamic and diverse career has led him to municipalities across the Country before making Lethbridge his home.