Niagara Falls spent $529,000 last year on related expenses, as councillors grapple for solutions
Some staggering numbers, and heartbreaking stories, about the homeless crisis in Niagara.
City of Niagara Falls says by conservative estimates, it spent almost $530,000 last year on related expenses, while St. Catharines spent $9-million.
Councillor Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg wants an awareness program to start, similar to how smoking and drunk driving have been addressed.
She recalls what a homeless woman told her that she and her three kids do. "We're riding buses tonight, up until bedtime at Clifton Hill, because we are put in a shelter, because we're homeless ourselves. We're in with these other people who are addicted to drugs and mental illness, and that's what my children have to see."
The councillor also wants the word "homeless" addressed, as it shouldn't apply to everyone equally.
The city will consider looking into a pilot program, in which homeless people can be hired, start gaining skills and get back on their feet.
Mayor Jim Diodati suggested, based on his experience, it's good to encourage people to start volunteering.
Councillor Mona Patel suggested the pilot program. "Private business owners are spending their own money on clean up, and this is not just fair to private business owners. Some businesses don't make enough money to pay someone to clean up, so they have to do it themselves."
Chief Administrative Officer Jason Burgess says all ideas are welcome, adding what they're doing now is not working very well.
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