I don't agree with this approach. There will continue to be encampments, and unhoused folks, in all of our neighbourhoods until we can provide adequate, safe, and affordable housing. Tearing down encampments has been proven to do nothing but create harm. #HamOnt
I don't agree with this approach. There will continue to be encampments, and unhoused folks, in all of our neighbourhoods until we can provide adequate, safe, and affordable housing. Tearing down encampments has been proven to do nothing but create harm. #HamOnt
As a City, we've got to break the cycle of telling people where they can't go and provide a clear guide for where they can go. It can't be nowhere. Also, stigmatizing drug use and suggesting that people in encampments can only exist if they don't use drugs isn't ok.
That kind of policy goes in the exact opposite direction of what every single doctor and public health expert has said. Forcing people to hide while they use drugs increases the chance that they will overdose and die. I don't know why anyone on Council would be ok with that.
And as for asking people to pack up every morning - that's just adding insult to injury. It also means that it will be difficult to provide basic services like washrooms, harm reduction support, and medical treatment. Part of the point is to know where to find folks.
As HFS Chief Sanderson said, at the start of this term of Council, visibility is key to better outcomes. Forcing unhoused Hamiltonians to hide in fear will make this situation worse, not better. I hope my colleagues will see this with open eyes when we discuss it on Wednesday.
Equity means recognizing that there is an inherent difference in circumstance and situation. Unhoused Hamiltonians can't and shouldn't be held to rules that were specifically designed for those of us who are already adequately housed. Apples and oranges.