WR Community Town Halls - Content archive (2023-24)

​No Fixed Address:
A Talk About Homelessness & Encampments

Guest Speakers

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Margaret Capes

Margaret Capes focused on educating the unhoused about their legal rights and building trust to combat "relational poverty." She highlighted the lack of awareness among the unhoused about their rights and the necessity of legal advocacy to ensure compliance with decisions protecting these rights, emphasizing the need for low-barrier shelters. Margaret is an advocate focusing on the rights, relationships, and resilience of the unhoused population. She represents the Community Law School, where she dedicates her efforts to outreach among those living in encampments and woodlots in Sarnia-Lambton

MiKe Lethby

Mike Lethby discussed the need for preventative measures for at-risk individuals, especially youth. He emphasized the importance of relational support over transactional solutions and the role of communities and natural supports in tackling homelessness. Mike is recognized for his work as the Executive Director of The RAFT, a non-profit organization located in St. Catharines, which focuses on addressing and preventing youth homelessness

Jaime Stief

Jaime Stief highlighted the diversity of individuals in encampments and the negative impacts of bylaw enforcement. She stressed the need for a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards homelessness, focusing on compassion and support. Jaime is deeply involved in community advocacy, particularly regarding homelessness. She is a member of the Unsheltered Campaign and the Region's Prototyping Project and regularly collaborates with FightBack KW.

Greg Nash

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Erin Dej

Erin Dej addressed the criminalization of homelessness and the importance of integrating homeless individuals into our collective notion of community. She urged overcoming stigma and exclusion to create inclusive spaces. Erin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Since joining the faculty in 2018, she has researched in the areas of social exclusion and the criminalization of people experiencing homelessness.

Katie Burkholder Harris
​Chantelle McDonald & Greg Nash presented on the homelessness crisis in London, Ontario, emphasising the urgency and complexity of the situation. They discussed the implementation of a rights-based encampment strategy and the development of multi-service hubs offering wraparound support. Chantelle is the Director of Service at London Cares, an organization based in London, Ontario. At London Cares, she oversees programs such as Street Outreach, Resting Space, and the Housing Stability Program. Greg’s journey has included roles in mental health services for both youth and adults, as well as in fields such as infectious disease, sexual health, primary care, and oral health. Greg has played a key role in several initiatives, such as The Wright Clinic, Safer Opioid Supply, Health Outreach Mobile Engagement, and the Newcomer Clinic.