Welcome Again: Bonjour -Aaniin

Sudbury homelessness problem growing but there are solutions.

Recent news reports have indicated that the Sudbury homeless problem is growing, and present solutions are not being effective.  Living in makeshift encampments throughout the city and on the street and in doorways downtown and even seeking shelter during the day in libraries and other public venues after being ejected in the morning from crowded overnight warming centers this is a situation that should no longer be ignored.  It appears our civic leaders would rather ignore this problem in favor of creating, in the opinion of many, the ill-conceived Culture Hub in Tom Davies Square for an estimated cost of $65 million which is likely to be exceeded.  For a fraction of this cost, we could solve the homeless problem by creating a Homeless Hub.    The same rationale applies to the building of a new arena when simply renovation would be sufficient and the money remaining could be applied to creating the homeless hub.

A Homeless Hub would provide improved services for the homeless including accommodation out of the elements not just during the evening but for every hour of the day every day in all seasons in facilities that would include washrooms with showers and other service amenities. 

Want to learn how other communities have done?  Click on the links below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLnoZZTHsRw

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.7011537

The Energy Court area, previous home of the safe injection site would be the ideal location for such a facility and could include several transitional tiny homes such as those constructed in Peterborough that include communal washrooms in a standalone structure and another to house food services and physical, mental health and social work support professionals.   Another structure would provide 27/7 temporary accommodation and infrared heaters on the side of the building(s) for those who feel for whatever reason reluctant to come inside.  Benches and gathering areas could be established outside as well.

The site would be staffed, and security provided.  The Peterborough city council pioneered the project through a grant from the provincial govt. with municipal input and ongoing support.   Even without federal or provincial support the cost for 50 or more transitional homes plus auxiliary structures would be less than the city’s current and future Big Project plans  As well those occupying the transitional homes will pay actual rent depending on their circumstances.   

Instead of on-going studies, hand wringing and stop gap measures our city should, like Peterborough and other progressive communities, address the issue with positive solutions.

Besides duplicating existing amenities that already exist in a non-essential Culture Hub or new arena, let us consider those less fortunate in the creation of a Homeless Hub, for which we all benefit as a caring society using money already available which could be put to such a better use.  This is something which I think most of our citizens would agree with and which was recently endorsed by Councillor Landry-Altman.  Perhaps an Oraclepoll survey to determine as part of the Sudbury Downtown Master Plan update

Example of possible Sudbury Homeless Hub Below:

One councillor has expressed concern with respect to the homeless "situation" - see below:

CONCERN FOR OTHER ISSUES Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann supported the events centre, but she called on her colleagues to take a serious look at addressing homelessness, perhaps with a hub of some sort. A report on homelessness is forthcoming at the end of May and as Landry-Altmann pointed out, the two issues are intimately linked, according to the city's strategic plan. “The result of purchasing properties for $20 million and demolishing housing, as modest as it was, relocating tenants — or not — has directly affected the downtown and town centres,” she pointed out. “Efforts to mitigate risks include actively shepherding our most vulnerable to residential areas and encampments, where support services are not. Our outreach workers are now heading into wooded areas to provide meals and support.” Landry-Altmann said now that the city is clearing the south district, it is enlarging the area of concern and spreading it to the outlying areas. “How is this improving the situation? It is not,” she commented, pointing to the need for a homelessness hub. Homelessness is at crisis levels locally and Landry-Altmann said it affects residents in every ward. She asked for a deferral of two resolutions associated with the events centre; however, her request was defeated. But she told her colleagues she will hold them to their comments when the report is made public in May.

Back to home

T