The United Housing for All group in Saugeen Shores told Bruce County Council how they are supporting affordable housing initiatives. In a recent presentation to council, the group reported homelessness is a hidden issue in the shoreline community, and often involves employed individuals with no permanent home. Some end up couch surfing, or staying with friends and relatives, while others end up in a hotel or even a tent.
“Back in early November last year the Saugeen Shores Police Service issued a warning to hunters to be aware of homeless individuals residing in wooded areas in town. In a meeting with Saugeen Shores Police Chief Kevin Zettel, it was confirmed that this is an issue in Saugeen Shores. The police have encountered people who are homeless in town. Homeless people have been found in ATM kiosks, near our town trails, and in public washrooms,” Bruce County Council was told. “It is encouraging to see that the emphasis of the police is on finding support for the homeless and not enforcement to displace them. There is a benevolent fund set up to help with temporary housing in local hotels, and then to get people set up with the appropriate agencies to get further support.”
The group would like to hold a homelessness and poverty forum this year so various stakeholders can work with the county brainstorming solutions. They hope to network and collaborate with government, churches, community groups, service providers, police and builders on the issue of homelessness. They want to learn how everyone can work together and help with supporting those who are homeless or struggling to live a life that meets their basic needs.
“We realize that the county is doing this to some extent with the preparation of an updated housing plan. We want to work together with the county and other groups and do what government may not be able to do. This forum would be somewhat of a brainstorming session, finding out what each do best, what the needs are, finding common ground and identify actions to take. We are also thinking of bringing in a speaker or two to speak to us on this issue.” according to the presentation to Bruce County.
The group wants to work in their town of Saugeen shores, and are developing a plan to solve the issue one piece at a time. Needs identified in Saugeen Shores included warming centres, and mental health supports.
The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness has reported there is record food bank use and an estimated 34 per cent increase in homelessness and core housing needs from 2020 to 2023.
