Since August 2007, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has provided the people of Thompson with free graffiti cover-up services that aim to beautify local businesses and residences.
This year is no different, since the program is running for 10 weeks between July 10 and Sept. 18.
According to Katherine Pohjolainen, a former education and training program co-ordinator for the local CMHA branch, the program’s goal is twofold.
For one, through covering up unwanted graffiti Pohjolainen said they are actually upping the property value of local neighbourhoods and providing a deterrent to crime.
“The entire program is based on the ‘broken window’ theory, which suggests that if neighbourhoods are looking like they’re starting to deteriorate, they’re more vulnerable to crime. So we try to remedy that by cleaning up graffiti.”
Secondly, Pohjolainen said these services are designed to support individuals living with mental health issues, since CMHA hires its painters exclusively through their Connections Clubhouse program.
”They are participants who want to gain experience for employment, but want to do it in a safe and supportive environment,” she said. “We work with them to build job skills, like working with your co-workers, talking to your supervisors and taking direction.”
In terms of this summer’s cover-up efforts, Pohjolainen said their painters are still running into the same kind of challenges, with areas like the downtown core and Eastwood being particular problem areas.
However, Pohjolainen said that thanks to their workers’ tireless efforts over the last decade, CMHA receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from members of the community.
”Even though it is a free service that we provide, we’ve had people who try to give us money,” she said. “Because no-one has the time to go and cover up graffiti. It’s not a job that people want to have to do. So it’s nice that’s its provided for free, so I think a lot of the community is very appreciative and grateful for this service.”
If you would like graffiti removed from your residence or place of business, please contact CMHA at 204-677-6051.
