In a town that is constantly growing where population has nearly doubled in the last five years, housing for minority groups has been overlooked, according to statements from a recent focus group.
As part of the Cochrane Cares survey, a questionnaire released last year by Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to gain better understanding of Cochrane’s needs, a focus group hosted on Tuesday targeting housing concerns in the community revealed that residents are concerned about youth homelessness, affordable housing for people with disabilities, and seniors housing.
While the majority of those attending the group were from FCSS or workers with the Town of Cochrane, all were residents in the community stating a list of concerns with the current state of the housing and rental market.
The same concerns were addressed in community implementation plan, Let’s Touch the Skies in September 2015, where the project listed issues including homeless youth/adults, transitional/safe housing for those escaping domestic violence, and accessible/affordable housing for seniors.
Since the 2015 report, there is now a Safe Coach program – originally Safe Couch offered by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area – through FCSS that provides homeless youth temporary host homes; a grassroots group of women who are in the initial planning stages of an emergency centre; and the report stated seniors needs were also being looked into.
Despite the new programs, the same concerns are being brought to the table again.
The overall goal of the survey is to produce a comprehensive assessment for the Town of Cochrane to help inform decisions over the next several years.
Organizers are still welcoming thoughts on the current housing situation in Cochrane. The survey is open to residents of the Town of Cochrane, M.D. of Bighorn and Western Rocky View County until March 25.
For more information go to cochrane.ca/cares
