Cambridge — Ward 1

Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to address both encampments and permanent housing.candidate's own words

Homelessness is the responsibility of the Province and the Region of Waterloo. Both jurisdictions need to do a better job of making housing affordable again and providing upstream services, such as mental health and addiction support. But housing must come first. If elected, I will support the churches, charities, and social workers who, day in and day out, help our most vulnerable residents in Cambridge. I am inspired by the helpers in our community who feel a deep responsibility to lend a hand when all levels of government and corporations have failed to find solutions. I will also advocate for the Region of Waterloo to implement a safe tenting framework, where those experiencing homelessness can set up tents and/or trailers on specifically designated lands while receiving support from community partners. This would be an interim measure until more deeply affordable housing with wraparound services is built. The desensitization to homelessness is a moral failing. But I am inspired by concrete, fully costed plans from other municipalities, such as St. Thomas, which have sought to eliminate long-term encampments through innovative shelter-to-housing models that are accountable and track the costs and success rates of their plans. This is what we need to do here.