Statement on Black Lives Matter & Non-Police Community Resources

The McCauley Community League acknowledges the horrific murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The league has taken this moment in history as a pause for reflection on systemic racism and violence that exists in Canada, and our own community, contemporally and historically. Provided the disproportionate number of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour), immigrants, the working class, the presence of poverty, homelessness, and mental illness, and other marginalized people who are a part of McCauley, who are all vulnerable to systemic discrimination and violence, it is important that we as a community continue to engage with one another, build relationships with our neighbours, and seek out solutions to the challenges within our community outside of the police alone. We would also like to encourage community members to reach out with any ideas or suggestions they have regarding this issue and if there is anything the league can do to facilitate action in this area. There are numerous resources within the City of Edmonton that are alternatives to calling the police, which include the following:

24/7 Edmonton Crisis Diversion Team through REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities partnered with Boyle Street Community Services and the Hope Mission. Offers a 24-hour mobile assistance program for homeless individuals who need immediate assistance. Can be reached 24/7 by calling 211 and choosing option 3 to speak to a dispatcher.

Access 24/7: provides a range of urgent and non-urgent addiction and mental health services including service navigation, screening, assessment, referral, consultation, crisis intervention, outreach and short term stabilization. Can be reached 24/7 by phoning 780-424-2424.

Addiction and Mental Health Child and Adolescent Crisis Team through Alberta Health Services: The Crisis Team offers immediate crisis support through the Crisis Line to children / youth, aged 5-17, and their care providers. Can be reached by phone 780-407-1000 7 days a week from 8 am to 11:30 pm.

Street Outreach through Boyle Street Community Services: Engages with individuals who are sleeping in the community and connects these individuals to services to meet both their long and short term needs. This service covers all areas of Edmonton, including the river valley and parkland. Program hours vary, but you can reach out to 587-336-5688 to let the Street Outreach team know if you see an individual who may benefit from their services.

Elder Abuse Resource and Supports through Catholic Social Services: Provides support to older adults at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect including support counselling, education, and referrals. Can be reached at 780-477-2929 (Elder Abuse Intake Line) Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Service is targeted to seniors 65 years and older who are experiencing abuse from a caregiver or loved one.

Safe Needle Disposal:

Neighbourhood Response Tool: The City developed a neighbourhood response tool that helps you make the right call at the right time. It covers a range of situations from witnessing vandalism, intoxication and substance abuse to property and business concerns, and provides tangible steps to increase safety and minimize risk. The Neighbourhood Response Tool is your go-to resource for “Who to Call When”. For additional resources and contacts specific to McCauley, please see below.

https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/neighbourhood-response-resource.pdf



2 Comments

  1. 2021 municipal election is coming ,our community needs to actively find and support a person of Colorado to run in our ward. I would work on the campain

  2. Thank you MCL for posting this and for assembling and sharing all this extra helpful into and resources. We’re lucky to have you’ll as our kick butt! community league. Mccauley-onions UNITE!


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