It's called the "Solve the Crisis" campaign, initiated by Ontario Big City Mayors
There's pressure on the provincial government by the Niagara region, and Ontario Big City Mayors, to get the homeless crisis under control.
The region endorsed a motion, called "Solve the Crisis" campaign, which asks for a provincial ministry, and for around the clock crisis centres.
Councillor Haley Bateman's idea passed, which includes people who have lived homeless, in assisting. "That is something that we did on the Niagara Poverty Reduction Committee. We did have people with lived experience. I don't think we did enough as a council to advocate outside of our State of Emergency."
The motion also calls for more provincial funding, as municipalities don't have the tax base.
However, advocate Alicia Marshall, who was homeless once, is not happy with the idea, saying government and social agencies can't just try to move people to shelters, people must be asked what is needed to help. That's why Councillor Bateman added an amendment to include input from homeless people.
Marshall says you can't just pull people out of a homeless camp. "When these individuals have so much trauma, and have had horrible experiences within the shelter system, that they don't want to return to that place. But, it's the city, the region, that is deeming those supports necessary."
She adds in spite of a State of Emergency on the problem, things have not improved, which is why they're discussing this motion as well.
Watch for Kids Trick or Treating: NRP
Chief Concerned at Number of Fires
Police Looking for Robbery Suspects
LA Dodgers Win World Series
International Companies Eye Niagara
Niagara Airport Trying to Expand
Man Charged After Woman Stabbed
Province Releasing Fall Economic Statement Today