Request to Mayor Vrbanovic re: Homeless Sheltering Needs During COVID-19

The Housing Needs Assessment clearly addresses that there are a multitude of variables needed to meet housing locally. The city asked for my voice on such, in aid of representing the "lived experience" residents. I do so now in asking this Sir. In hopes for their wellbeing.

— Regan Sunshine Brussé (@ReganBrusse) April 7, 2020

As requested by email on March 25th, 2020 
No reply received prior to publication on April 6th, 2020
​
Hi Berry, 

Great efforts being made by all. Thank you all for your action and aid to this community.

Yet it remains...

WE need a gap filled immediately. 

I am writing to ask this of you myself directly in effort to unite in solidarity to aid these individuals. The Region is doing AMAZING things but with the timeline we have here, this CANNOT WAIT. ​

From what I understand at this point, there is little likelihood of there being an adequate amount of spaces in time, should the city be forced to go on lockdown. I feel this is likely and not far off and fear for there individuals. 

Can City offer a portion of Victoria park as being permitted, until further actions are in place to meet full need by Region, for tent set up by individuals who will not access the shelters? I am thinking clock tower field or the island. Access no longer permitted to others on the temp. Region tells me its City call to make. 

We know there are such people, have for some time. Tent Cities have been repetitive among our area in the past. If allowed and garbage cans are provided, this location is proximate to the current connection points downtown for all services (bathrooms, CTS, food). Can minimize migration distance to access if placed elsewhere, hidden, as is the current likelihood (and I know IS happening). Allowing it reduces increase of spread via reduction of contact likelihood via travel. Also allows similar drop set up for food as households if need be as this progresses for food if the current is shut down before all can be sheltered. 

And is the humane intermittent solution. 

I request your immediate response and reply. our community supports the need for action. I seek your assistance in effort to unite us all with equality in this pandemic

Please view community response of in support of petition as posted here: 

https://www.change.org/p/region-of-waterloo-care-and-precautions-for-unsheltered-now


You have the ability to approve this. Lets aid together in mutual action to assist. 

Regan Sunshine Brussé (phone number removed)
www.MyMotherNamedMeSunshine.ca

Hi Regan! There have been many more spaces opened up by @RegionWaterloo to accommodate needs in the community. @hofwatreg has temporarily moved its operations to #RadissonKitchener and the overflow shelter is now at the @YMCAsofC_andKW. There have not been reports of unmet need.

— Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) April 7, 2020

No effort or intent to undermine to amazing efforts being taken by all. But yes, need remains. I realize that counts and such tasks are impeded by the need for social distancing but it is well recognized among many as a still existent gap. This is a desired and realizable start

— Regan Sunshine Brussé (@ReganBrusse) April 7, 2020

The provisions being offered are beautiful... this is only being asked in an added interim of measure in order to assure a space for all immediately. As things progress we CAN improve upon it.

— Regan Sunshine Brussé (@ReganBrusse) April 7, 2020