St. Catharines community activist got emotional when revealing homeless people are called "scum"
A State of Emergency has been declared by Niagara Regional council to combat homelessness, mental health problems and drug addiction.
Community activist Alicia Marshall told council last week she was on the streets one time, feeling like no one cared, which is how she says people on the street feel.
"They are called low lifes, drug addicts, scum, and they are never going to make anything of themselves. And I get emotional, because that was me 12 years ago," she recalls.
She added she couldn't have got back on her feet without the help of community groups.
Many councillors pointed out any incremental step forward is better than nothing, acknowledging this doesn't necessarily mean more funding.
However, not everyone was on board during the robust debate last week.
Councillor Laura Ip pointed out the region is already doing everything it can, and doesn't want to be blamed if nothing happens, such as a lack of funding. "Declaring States of Emergencies sends a message to the public that something will happen. In this case, it's simply a feel good public relations move, and I'm not here for that. I'm here for meaningful actionable work, I'm here to advocate for actual funding and resources that will assist with these issues."
She added her sister died of addiction, and an emergency declaration would not have helped.
Councillor Marvin Junkin stated while work is being done to help the homeless, we're only about a foot off the ground, when we should be 30 feet in the air.
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