As we start having more of the Difficult
​conversations surrounding unsheltered lives...

These aren't easy discussions to have. With so many social issues being better identified,
​more strongly vocalized, and arising in todays world simultaniously, people are strained.
We are all feeling it.
In November 2021, an encampment was displaced from Charles and Stirling in Kitchener, with heavy machinery being used. Truth is, this was nothing new, more just a poingant and visible version of these situations, one that quickly gained public visibility and outcry.  Heavy machines are not always deployed for these displacements, yet people are regardless displaced and their belongings destroyed or forced to be abandoned when unable to be carried. Often those in these situations have no long term solution available, nor an alternate location to go to. 

The problem in large part is that these are legal removals, at least in as much as their being supported within and by our local bylaws and procedures. Our current ways seem to be failing to align with many of our communities values. Who and where we were situationally when these plans were implemented and developed seems to no longer reflect who and where we are now. We've collectively changed, grown, evolved. It's time to change our responses and approaches to better reflect these changes of mindset. 

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Those with higher incomes are facing deep housing scarcity.
Those with low incomes are facing a brick wall with but a few cracks.

@ReganBrusse

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Following the removal and public outcry, Region of Waterloo Council requested staff to further review and report on the situation. 

​In December staff presented a draft policy to council for approval in regards to encampment displacement procedures (pg. 104). This report was given at the end of a very long budget meeting, even I missed it. This sadly as well created a big miss by the Region of Waterloo, who ultimately forewent a vital opportunity to obtain public input on this topic. It needed more ***spotlight***, not to be burried in this way. 

Since then I've become busy. I been welcomed as a volunteer to participate in some of the Regional discussions surrounding encampments and unsheltered life. These conversations include the Region of Waterloo's Unsheltered Working Group, the Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee. I as well continue to network within our grassroots community and participate in the Unsheltered Campaign discussions,  all while of course cozying up to "relax" with my long time home group, the Alliance Against Poverty.

Shooting to be the first to say it (though certainly not the last): in many ways I have no clue what I am doing here, nor exactly where I fit. That's become more normal than I can explain in my world. I'm learning to "roll with it" in life as much as I am learning as I go in many of these talks. I'm completely feeling, at times, like a kid being allowed to eat at the adult table, unsure of "where to lay my napkin" or how to "hold my fork". It's humbling, yet exciting. I'm OK with this. 
Locally, the Region, the cities and WRPS have been advancing in their conversations surrounding procedures for encampment removals. This is a positive and great step, but it cannot be the only one we take. I still feel like we are missing much here:
  • What about before and after removals?
  • When is it appropriate to enforce removals?
  • What of specifically when there is a lack of viable alternative options?
  • How are we assuring the constitutional rights of these vulnerable people within all of this?
  • How are we including the voices of those who are most deeply and specifically impacted within these conversations?
  • Are we adequately recognizing the impact of these removals on the bonds built with our outreach workers as well as the strain they add to the outreach supports themselves?
  • How do we balance this all better?

​As I always do, I have more questions...
"We've never been here before", say Waterloo Region outreach workers - The Record
There's so much to consider in these discussions. I am proud to be a part of a community willing to take on these difficult talks. These are not easy discussions to have. That we can hold them is a first step, one bringing us at least more pointedly in the right direction. What the final destination will be remains as "yet to be seen". 

As we continue these talks, hopefully moving quickly and seeing more action on these issues, I am hoping to keep up here to add my own "nickle" in these chats, to share as I learn and to more openly broaden these discussions. 

So I gently say it again, though this time to our Region: "The time to hesitate is through".

Let's do this! It's time to connect the pieces. It's time to find solutions. 

Lives most literally depend on our compassionately taking action.
Regional Council - December 15, 2021
Video below set to begin at:
  • 2:12:50 PDL-LEG-21-70, Policy Review of Region Bylaw 13-050 – Use or Occupation of Region-owned Public Land