Homelessness, Affordable Housing, & Addiction

I have been talking to people to learn more about this situation in Sarnia, since I know these subjects will come up when I am a councilor. Full disclosure is that over the last six years, I have dealt with the homeless and drug situation as Executive Director at the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre. A daily occurrence was someone sleeping in the doorways or wandering in to use our facilities. The staff did have to be vigilant; however, we did settle on a method that worked. Instead of yelling at these people and kicking them out, we started to acknowledge them and gave them a cup of coffee, a bottle of water, and/or a sandwich. LKCC also invested in a small card from the Saint Vincent De Paul Society called Hugs for Homeless. Once we explained that, with the card, they could get food and clothing without doing any intake, AND we explained that we had vulnerable sector people at the Centre and asked them not to come back and not to hang around, our rate of incidence dropped significantly. People on the street are human and need to be treated as such.

A couple of things that are my truth, at least with the knowledge I have right now.

#! - Absolutely NO ONE gets clean while on the streets homeless. Once a drug addict is housed, even if still using, their chances of getting clean with the right supervision go up exponentially.

#2 - Everyone deserves an affordable place to live. Building million-dollar homes does not address affordability. The City MUST be involved in taking down barriers to allow multiple-compartment homes. Triplexes, fourplexes, and beyond (granny suites and tiny homes) will address the existing affordable housing crisis.

Now, let me comment on the Indwell controversy. This type of supportive housing is working in other communities. Most of the feedback I have been able to garner is that even if there are some problems, overall, it is a good direction. I want to state that, no matter where this type of housing ends up in Sarnia, it is up to council and policing to make sure that neighbours, no matter who they are, are protected and safe.

Please recall when one of the most successful (IMHO) Sarnia housing projects was started on London Road - Ohana's Landing had similar opposition and primarily for the same reasons. They now have had many people go through their program, now as tax paying residents of Sarnia. Another Sarnia success is Mr Esser's Vineyard on Mitton Street and although they still have some problems, overall, they are on their way to owning multiple housing units where people can be warm and safe. Kudos to them.

Homelessness and addiction become more evident when the problem is close to home.  In fact, if a family member is homeless or has an addiction problem we are all more aware. NO ONE wants to be homeless of a drug addict.

I am always open to ideas and input. Should you have constructive ways to help, do not hesitate to pass them along.