The @cityofhamilton is investing millions for outreach support & housing units along with a comprehensive strategic housing plan & new #HamOnt policy on rennovictions, vacant homes, short term rentals, rental licensing, green & family friendly housing standards...
Many 2023 budget drivers were funding for housing & homelessness supports. Municipal taxpayers are sacrificing far more than their fair share to address the housing crisis in #HamOnt. I don't see taxpayers accepting funding these programs AND encampents in their neighbourhoods.
The results of unsanctioned encampments are clear. Dangerous, unsanitary with constant emergency responses - leading to the closure of the McNab street pedestrian tunnel - then closure of Whitehern - then what next? The closure of entire parks, roads - no go zones to residents?
I will not consider sanctioned encampments without strict controls: ❌️ No drug use/illegal activities ❌️ No permanent locations ❌️ Not near schools/playgrounds ❌️ No garbage ❌️ Packed up by 7 am daily ❌️ Acceptance of outreach including police when necessary.
These are the most basic standards we apply to all residents - a part of our social contract as a society. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the same for encampment residents if we're asking residents to accept sanctioned sites in their neighbourhoods.
@JohnPaulDanko There needs to be some type of stricter guidelines. I despised the police throwing out personal belongings in the garbage when brand new donated tents/sleeping bags were donated in the wintertime. That’s wrong on humanitarian, economic & environmental levels. But it is an eyesore
@JohnPaulDanko Isn't it part of your job to see to people actually being properly housed so they don't have to live outdoors?
@JohnPaulDanko Imagine someone dictating these rules to you in order for you to live in your home...
@JohnPaulDanko These ‘strict controls’ are not evidence-based nor are they a compassionate approach to a crisis.
@JohnPaulDanko Yes. We don’t want the garbage piles, we don’t want the drug use, we don’t want the danger in our parks/green spaces where our children play. Go live along a railroad track or under an overpass if you can’t coexist with the rest of society
@JohnPaulDanko Are you for offering safe injection/use services, washrooms, showers, and support services? If so then how would this work if people have to pack up every day? If not then how do you propose we help people in a humane and dignified way?
@JohnPaulDanko How about : - monitored drug you use with safe supply - plan to move to some form of housing - city garbage pickup - register residents so they can contact and be contacted by health care