The "C.S.E." solution to homelessness in London, Ontario starts with caring about people and providing FULL wraparound support. Every person experiencing homelessness has a different story and needs a different kind of help, but they all need the basics: a safe place to live and food to eat. For many, full support also means mental health care, addiction treatment, and other services that address the challenges keeping them from stable living.
We need to declare a State of Emergency in London, in conjunction with other cities in the province and work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario’s Big City Mayors to push the province to step up and deliver the healthcare and supports that are required. The federal government also needs to provide the support necessary to help communities address this crisis. Municipalities cannot fund what is required to solve these problems.
I understand that the economy is challenging right now. At the same time, the federal government is making major investments intended to strengthen Canada’s economy and communities for the future. In that context, I believe helping the more than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in London, and people experiencing homelessness across Ontario, is an investment we need to make.
For some people, the right support can help them get back on their feet and regain stability and independence. Others may need significant and perhaps ongoing support, and they should be getting it. Compared with the scale of the other investments governments are making in Canada’s future right now, the resources required to make a meaningful difference on homelessness should be relatively small, and treated as an investment in people, but also in our downtowns and in the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. Addressing homelessness will not only contribute to healthier, safer and more vibrant downtowns, but I think we can all agree that it would create better conditions for businesses, investment and economic growth in London and other major cities across Ontario.
