In public group statement: 

We are writing today to express our thanks that the Region is taking immediate, concrete steps to shelter the unhoused with the creation of temporary dorm-style shelter until more appropriate and longer-term housing can be established.  This is a very positive first step and a long cry from the under-preparedness the Region found itself in last Fall.  Thank you for recognizing the scope of housing needs in the Region and finding a better short-term solution for this coming winter. 

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I know you are committed to housing first, yet being unsheltered and living rough remains a crime and being addicted remains stigmatized. Rather than forcing unsheltered residents to fit your service offerings, I'm asking that you center the needs of these complex social beings as you expand supportive housing in our Region. And expand it you must.

Laura Hamilton
CBC: Dorm style emergency shelters being considered to help regions homeless

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We would like to echo the view of Laura Hamilton who gave testimony to Regional Council last week that long term, successful supportive housing should start with understanding and responding to the complex needs of individuals.  By building supportive housing to meet those needs, we can hope for a much higher success-rate in maintaining housing for individuals rather than fitting people into a bureaucratic solution which may not recognize the depth and breadth of individuals' complex needs.

We look forward to your applying the spirit of innovation that our region is known for as we search for dignified, long-term solutions to our supportive housing crisis.

Sincerely,

The Alliance Against Poverty
Laura Hamilton to Regional Committee of the Whole on August 11th, 2020