Welland Councillor Bonnie Fokkens' motion was fully supported to fight homelessness
A unanimous vote at Welland city council that Premier Doug Ford declare a provincial State of Emergency on homelessness.
Councillor Bonnie Fokkens' motion indicates municipalities are dealing with a community safety and humanitarian crisis.
She notes a provincial report shown at the last AMO conference shows it'll take $11-billion over 10 years to fix this. "We're seeing the working poor, the ones working minimum wage and they can't keep up with rent. And we see the seniors, they can't take care of their homes anymore, or keep up with inflation. There's also the renovictions."
The provincial government has spent millions and set up help centres, but advocates say more is needed.
The councillor volunteered at the Holy Trinity Shelter. "I did the 11pm to 3am shift, and there were so many different life styles that were in there. It was an eye opener."
Local advocate Steven Soos is optimistic the premier will respond, since there is province-wide pressure.
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