Niagara Helping Homeless, but More Needed

Regional staff gave figures showing people are accepting help to avoid homelessness

Some encouraging numbers, but also some frustration, at the Niagara region's public health committee in helping the homeless.

Manager of Homeless Services Jeffrey Sinclair showed recent stats they helped 403 people from becoming homeless over the last year.

But the lack of housing continues to plague efforts.  "Niagara has a limited supply of supportive housing, with only about one and a half units of supportive housing for each shelter bed we have.  To address chronic homelessness in Niagara, we would need to add to our current supply of about 400 supportive housing units, more than 1,000 additional units of supportive housing."

He adds more plans are coming this year to support more housing.

However, Niagara Falls mayor expressing concern over people using drugs, while trying to help them away from homelessness.

Jim Diodati asked the region's Director of Homelessness Services what is the policy for drug use in shelters.

Cathy Cousins says they allow some drugs on property.  "What we do not allow is dealing on property, or illegal activity in that regard.  If you leave the property, and you come back with substance, then we ask that you share with us that is your intent to do that, so we can manage your health."

She adds shelter staff are trained to help people needing that assistance.

Councillor and St. Catharines mayor Mat Siscoe spoke of certain homeless camps where problems continue. 

He's frustrated in a recent delay for a seasonal shelter, due to the idea the focus is more on resources put to long term housing.  "I understand that our focus should be on supportive housing, but the reality is we need both right now.  And, I've made this comment in that past, if it's a matter of putting it on the levy (taxes), then maybe we just have to put it on the levy, because the situation is untenable."

He's looking for immediate action to help those still living in tents.

The region's Director of Homelessness Services says they receive provincial funding to reach people, and are still looking for more.

Cathy Cousins adds the region's shelters are not equipped to deal with some people living in tents, due to behaviour such as drug use.

She also says money received before Christmas is helping those in shelters or living in tents.  "We have approximately 70 of those, and we are placing people in the shelter system, and our outreach team are in the process of doing that now.  That will move 70 people forward, that will exit the current structure, that means we have 70 people that we can move in."

Regional staff add there's money for people to use for rent in moving from shelters to housing.