They warm up in bank lobbies, pitch tents along Ross Creek or settle for a sleeping bag in a downtown alley. Members of Fort Saskatchewan’s homeless population do their best to stay inconspicuous.

But the problem, though still small, has become more visible in recent years.

Local RCMP and Municipal Enforcement members are seeing up to about 10 homeless in and around town at a time, says Protective Services Director Coreen Rayner. It’s hard to say if that number has increased, as officials only started keeping track in the last few years.

The food bank has noticed. The number of homeless asking for help has increased over the past several years, nearly doubling this spring compared to last.

A new “Daily Bread” program has been started especially intended for those unable to store a whole hamper of food, says Volunteer and Communications Manager Olivia O’Neill. The program allows users to pick up food once or twice a week.

A whole network of local groups and services cooperate to help the homeless as best they can, says Jennifer Hoyer, Director of Family and Community Support Services.

While there are no shelters or even official overnight warming shelters here, her department arranges free transportation to shelter in Edmonton for those that choose this option.

Family and Community Support Services also makes sure there is space at the shelter and follows up with the homeless person later.

Help can only be offered, not forced unless there is an actual crime involved, adds Acting Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment commander S/Sgt. Scott Lande.

Police respond to complaints and should also be called whenever you see someone you think might need help, Lande adds. Members are training in dealing with mental health issues and work with Family and Community Support Services when any kind of support is needed.

Police are often already well aware of our homeless citizens, says Rayner. “Members will know them by name.”

Permanent camps are removed, but not without warning, Rayner adds. First the camp is visited by a member and help is offered to the residents. Then a notice is posted giving 24 to 72 hours to leave. And finally, police and Public Works staff arrive to clean up the site.

Homelessness is a complex problem, requiring multiple solutions, Hoyer says. Police, Family and Community Support Services, and local charity organizations such as the food bank are all part of the local network. Mental health, food and other support is available through these groups.

Urgent support is particularly important during cold weather. City facilities, and even transit buses, offer a place to warm up during regular office hours. Anyone in need of help can approach City staff in those locations and should be able to get connected to the network, Hoyer says. Another option is to contact Family and Community Support Services directly at 780-992-6267.

Probably the simplest and best option is to contact the RCMP detachment on their non-emergency line: 780-992-6100, which is always open. Even if police aren’t needed in this care, members will connect you with the local social service network, Lande says.