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I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a ride-along with the Community Assistance Team (CAT). During the outing, I observed Tracey Giroux, a peace officer, along with Josh Dillon, a navigator who works with Mustard Seed and Janel Dodd, a navigator who works with the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. They demonstrated their unwavering commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals on campus through person-centred and consent-based methods.
Their office, conveniently located just a few steps from the Education Car Park and across the street from the Van Vilet complex, was easily accessible to me. I was not quite sure what to anticipate. However, after spending the day alongside these three remarkable CAT members, I was impressed by the profound impact and support they provide to individuals within our community.
The CAT’s partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Mustard Seed plays a vital role in connecting people with necessary resources. Both organizations offer various forms of advocacy support, whether it involves shelter, clothing or connections with other resources. I was surprised to discover that Mustard Seed has multiple locations and a thrift store that helps people access clothing. Additionally, Bent Arrow provides services regarding various Indigenous cultural outreach, such as access to smudge kits that Dodd can provide and connecting people to the First People’s House service. Beyond general advocacy support, the CAT has established programs that provide resources such as bus tickets, cell phones, watches and identification cards.
In my initial interaction with the trio, their compassionate and approachable demeanours made me and others feel at ease. Before the ride-along, I had a conversation with the CAT to gain more insight into their work and approaches. It was evident, both from our conversation and my first-hand observations, that the CAT prioritizes building relationships and respecting individual autonomy. Dodd emphasized the importance of “walking alongside” individuals during transitions, allowing them the freedom to make choices.
They consistently affirmed the importance of treating everyone with the same dignity and respect as any other member of our community. When asked about the motivation behind their efforts, Dillon explained, “There are a lot of prejudices about the people that go through [houselessness], so to be able to work with them and address that and come up with long-term solutions … and to see how motivated Tracey [Giroux] was to start [CAT]” motivated him. With a dedicated member like Giroux at the helm, it was evident that the team was utterly committed to their mission. Giroux, who initiated the program, shared that her motivation stemmed from her passion “about making a difference in our community.” She emphasized that community-driven solutions and building meaningful relationships were crucial to their cause. It was clear that with dedicated and equally passionate members, they make a significant contribution to the community.
As we drove in their white-labelled van, the ride-along began with locating a houseless individual for a follow-up. Unfortunately, much to the team’s worry, the individual was not located. It became apparent to me that one of their challenges is following up with individuals who do not have regular access to cell phones, clocks or basic necessities. As such, these individuals are required to move around a lot, and the CAT does their best to locate them to remind them of important appointment dates, interviews and provide resources.
“They did not ask to be houseless, it can happen to any of us … we’re getting to the root of the problem.”
- Tracey Giroux
Out of sheer chance, I noticed an encampment in some trees as we were driving. When approaching the individual, it was evident there was a pre-existing relationship between the CAT and the individual. Everyone knew each other by name and were on friendly terms. The purpose of the visit was to inquire if they needed any supplies and have a check-in. Before leaving, the CAT ensured to ask if the individual required any food or clothing since the temperatures were beginning to drop.
Later, Giroux received a call about an individual in need on campus. I observed the CAT's effective approach. To avoid overwhelming the person, Dodd and I kept our distance. I immediately recognized Tracey and Josh’s personable methods. Instead of hovering over the individual, both CAT members ensured to be at eye level to avoid any sense of superiority. They offered a water bottle and reassured the individual they were not there to cause trouble. This kind of gesture served as an opportunity to start a conversation about how the CAT could assist. After the conversation, the team did not hesitate to offer first aid kits and food. I had the chance to select clothing from the CAT’s supply closet, which was stocked with donated supplies. Dillon and Dodd also reached out to their foundation to explore housing options. In my view, the team’s friendly and personable approach is an effective way to support those seeking positive change in their lives.
The CAT stands as a unique team that has undertaken several initiatives to inspire other academic institutions to follow their lead, demonstrating not only the importance but also the effectiveness of their positions. Throughout the day, I witnessed the profound impact the CAT provided to the community. With their dedication, they continuously work to discover long-term solutions. Too often, vulnerable individuals in our community are not treated with the same respect that everyone deserves when all they need is help. I am reassured that there are people such as Tracey, Josh, and Janel on campus who continuously help and treat all individuals in our community with the utmost dignity.
Cold weather can compound issues associated with houselessness and substance use that members of our community face. You can assist by knowing who to call for help to aid a person in non-emergency distress on our campuses.
Call 780-492-5050 for crisis diversion, which could include someone who is dressed inappropriately for cold weather, sleeping in an unsafe space, intoxicated or otherwise impaired, confused, disoriented or experiencing a mental health concern. Note the number is different for Enterprise Square and Augustana Campus. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Protective Services takes a person-centred, consent-based approach and partners with community organizations to help individuals find and navigate support.
The University of Alberta is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Every day, we advance this commitment to safety through the Culture of Care.