albertchosky

Canada is grappling with a growing homelessness crisis, forcing an increasing number of people into life on the streets, shelters, tents, or worse conditions. With the rising cost of living and soaring inflation in 2023, experts warn that Canada faces an alarming and escalating homeless crisis that demands urgent attention and comprehensive solutions.

Factors such as skyrocketing housing costs, economic disparities, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the homelessness crisis across the nation. Families, veterans, youth, and vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted, with many forced to live on the streets, in shelters, or in substandard housing conditions. This crisis has far-reaching consequences, including compromised public health, increased crime rates, and strained social services.

Tent cities are sprouting up across the country, prompting municipalities like Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls to declare states of emergency due to the homelessness situation.

The Friends Who Help (FWH) support group believes this homelessness crisis has now reached a recognized state of emergency, and we believe that the homeless have special needs that require immediate attention.

At FWH, we are exploring two possible interim solutions to this problem, and we would appreciate your feedback on which solution you think may work best.

Solution Option #1 FWH has sponsoring partners with vacant warehouse spaces. We could potentially raise funds to subsidize the rental of some of these facilities, allowing residents from tent cities to be relocated into temporary accommodations within these warehouses, providing shelter from the cold weather. (i.e., Move the tents and their residents into the warehouses).

These buildings already have restrooms and office areas. Some even have full kitchens or cafeterias that we could staff and run programs to help these individuals get back on their feet. These programs could include on-the-job training, career training, skills training, and even part-time job placement opportunities.

Solution Option #2 Years ago, the government closed several hospital facilities, some of which remain empty and unused to this day. These facilities have everything needed to temporarily house the homeless. FWH could fundraise and collaborate with sponsors to implement programs in these facilities.

In both cases, FWH would run programs to provide training and assistance to help these individuals reintegrate into their local communities and become self-sufficient.

Do you agree with Option 1 (using vacant warehouses) or with Option 2 (using empty hospitals)? Please leave your comment on the Friends Who Help Facebook group, and let your voice be heard!

We appreciate your valuable input as we strive to address this urgent homelessness crisis effectively.