Ending Chronic Homelessness

[danbrotherston]

I agree with basically everything here.

But I don't know why you are unsure about a homes (homes is a better word, housing is insufficient) first policy wouldn't work.

I am confident it would work for most people. But I don't have enough understanding of the issues to know whether it would work for all. Still, if it could solve the problem for 90% (or 80%, or 95%) of the rough sleepers, it would be a huge improvement.

But, getting such a policy is not going to be quick. I think we would need to drive and fund that from either the federal or (more likely) provincial level. And it will take time to build up the support to make that happen.

I'm not sure what you mean though? It would "work" for 100% of people, in that 100% of people sleeping rough would no longer be sleeping on the streets. I mean, unless you are suggesting that there are people who would choose to sleep on the street rather than in a home with absolutely no strings or limits attached?

A certain portion would be able to reintegrate as functioning members of society, but some would not.

You're right that such a policy would be difficult, but I am also tired of excuses.

I think the problem of people traveling is a lot smaller than some think. I'd argue a national program is definitely not needed. Transportation is difficult at best when you are homeless. Could people come here from Toronto, clearly yes. Could people come here from Ottawa? Maybe...but that's much more difficult. Could they come here from even...Manitoba, the number who could and would is negligible.

And yes, these are free homes to anyone. Yes, there are people who live in shittier places in Ontario now who would prefer this program. I think there can be reasonable limits on it, like, either organize it as a UBI, or basically, you pay if you gain the means to pay. But ultimately, I don't actually think that it would be a bad thing if people had an option other than living in inadequate or intolerable housing. Underhoused people is a problem too.

As for people who literally cannot care for themselves, that's true on and off the street. At least if they are in a home, it is easier to provide services and help to them. Again, I'm not suggesting that this solves everyone's problems, but it makes all problems easier.