A proposal from mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson to take “surplus funds” from the Reaching Home Fund to help send homeless people back to their communities – should they want to go – is likely to face an uphill battle at City Council.

Not the least of which is that the Reaching Home Fund is a federal program administered by the Community Advisory Board – of which the city has no influence over.

“Perhaps as it is currently worded, it will be difficult to support, but if there is flexibility and productive conversation there, maybe we can come to a different conclusion that supports a gap that I am not aware of, or others aren’t aware of around the horseshoe,” Councillor Katie Neustaeter, whose other job is in the non-profit sector, said on NL Newsday.

Additionally, the service to help bus people back to their communities is already provided by CMHA Kamloops and ASK Wellness.

So far between January and August of this year, CMHA says it has helped relocate 48 people, while ASK Wellness reports between April 2021 and August 2023, they’ve helped relocate 60 people.

“The Mayor hasn’t reached out to us. Our information and as far as the data is concerned – it’s posted publicly on our website,” Alfred Achoba, the Executive Director of CMHA Kamloops, told Radio NL.

“So I’m not sure if he’s had access to look at it but no one has actually reached out to us to make sure we’re not bringing services that duplicate what is already existing.”

In his Notice of Motion, Hamer-Jackson, who has floated the idea several times both before and after being elected as mayor, is asking money be set aside for “experienced outreach workers” to help arrange transportation.

“The team will help people get their identification and help prepare them to travel home or wherever they want to go,” Hamer-Jackson’s notice of motion reads.

In using “surplus grant funds,” Hamer-Jackson suggests that the City team could help line up transportation for people who are “banned from shelters, supportive housing and transitional housing.” He also says the team could work with people who are camping on beaches, side walks, or public and private properties as well as for people in shelters and supportive housing who want to go home.

“The team will consist of the Mayor, staff, and non-profit social agencies,” Hamer-Jackson’s notice of motion said.

“This team could also use funds from the UBCM Strengthening homeless and community grant funds if still available. Also, could advocate from other agencies funded by BC Housing.”

Council is set to debate Hamer-Jackson’s notice of motion at its Sept. 12 meeting.