Merritt receives provincial funding for situation table

People in Merritt at risk of harm or victimization will benefit from a $15,000 grant to create a community-based team of front-line workers to deliver better and faster access to services.

The teams, known as “situation tables,” are made up of representatives from health, public safety and social service agencies. They proactively identify vulnerable individuals or families who have a significant probability of committing criminal offences or experiencing harm or victimization, and rapidly connect them to services before they experience a negative or traumatic event.

“Situation tables strengthen the co-ordination and effectiveness of social services for high-risk individuals,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The goal is to assist vulnerable individuals and to increase public safety for everyone in the community.”

“Merritt’s a wonderful community, but some of our residents face challenges and issues that they can’t manage by themselves. We’re delighted the provincial government is stepping in to help us establish a situation table, which has been used successfully in other communities. Working together, we can show support to our people and help to connect them to the services they need, stopping problems before they happen – which is not only good for the people directly helped, but for our entire community.”

Greg Lowis, City of Merritt Director of Corporate Services, mentioned that each situation will see different local stakeholders and organizations join the table.

“This is fantastic news,” began Lowis. “This grant will allow us to establish a situation table so that we can look at solving problems before they even start, and helping to make sure peoples lives are improved. We will be bringing together a variety of community organizations.”