Report finds money spent to fix North Bay’s homeless crisis hasn’t alleviated growing problem
Despite nearly $20 million spent over the last five years to solve homeless issues in the North Bay area, a new report finds the funding has not provided many benefits for those experiencing homelessness.
The report finds that in with the changing landscape and action taken so far, shelter bed supply is not meeting the demand.
“Given the economic circumstance we see in northern Ontario, what we’re seeing on our streets is indicative of what is transpiring,” explained board chair Mark King.
The ‘Homelessness Landscape In The Nipissing District’ report was presented to the social services board Wednesday.
The report also outlines the spending and operating costs at the low-barrier shelter and the Gateway House.
According to the report, the board has invested $2.8 million in developing the low-barrier shelter and Gateway House.
“The low-barrier shelter has accounted for 9.7 per cent ($276,051) of this funding with the Gateway House development accounting for the remaining 90.3 per cent, ($2,562,716).The shelter and supportive housing design and concept is still evolving and under development. Upon completion, this integrated housing with wraparound services and supports will provide 24/7 supports to residents and will focus on life skills,” reads the report.
The report also highlighted the annual operating cost for the low-barrier shelter which is over $1.6 million. That includes six months of day programming that allow the low-barrier shelter to be open 24 hours a day.
The annual operating costs at Gateway House are $1.2 million. The cost includes support services which operate 24 hours each day.
It also outlines the so-called ‘turning point’ when it comes to the homeless situation. In the fall of 2019, North Bay citizens were concerned about the amount of homeless people congregating downtown.
“Employment issues, manufacturing closures, all of those different things and the impact of increased cost of living are all playing a part in what we’re watching,” said King.
At the same time, social service members and those on the front lines helping people with mental health and addictions were finding it harder to help clients with complex issues.
Before the pandemic began, the board was spending on average $1.8 million per year for various homeless initiatives. Now it’s up to $7 million annually.
It doesn’t come as a surprise to Chris Brown, who has spent the last few years working to support the homeless community through HOPE’s Outreach. He has seen the spike in people on the streets.
“There are lots of issues. They really kept band-aiding it and now we’re in another pandemic the homeless rate in North Bay,” said Brown. “We had 105 people at one time at tent city.”
The DNSSAB is currently working on the Gateway House project which will focus on transitional housing.
“It will be opening shortly,” King said.
Another report is expected in October which will look at steps to move forward in fixing the homeless crisis.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.