The City of Toronto is evolving its approach to encampments and supports for people experiencing homelessness based on feedback from the public, interested parties and recommendations from the City’s Ombudsman.
To date, 28 of the 31 of the Ombudsman’s recommendations have been completed with work ongoing to address the remaining three recommendations.
Encampments are a symptom of the housing affordability crisis, shelter demand that exceeds availability and other social crises such as mental health and drug toxicity. This staff report on encampments puts people first as it outlines a transparent and coordinated process to guide City staff in connecting people to indoor spaces while supporting the needs of surrounding communities. It marks a shift from enforcement and a move towards outreach, assistance and information.
The report focuses on the following recommendations:
The report sets a new version of the City’s Interdivisional Protocol for Encampments in Toronto including guidelines for when an enhanced outreach model should be introduced, how individuals will be supported to move to indoor spaces and circumstances where measured enforcement may be required.
The City remains committed to evolving its response to homelessness, partnering with all orders of government and adopting a multi-sector approach to build more affordable housing and provide a safe, vibrant city that is inclusive for all residents.
Toronto Shelter and Support Services (TSSS) staff will present the report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on May 29.
The full report and accompanying background materials are available on the City’s website.
Quotes:
“Across Canada, encampments are the result of a lack of affordable housing, increases in rents and cost of living, and inadequate social supports. A growing number of people are struggling to find shelter and housing in our city. This is compounded by a lack of mental heal care, making a growing number of people more vulnerable. The City of Toronto has committed to progressively realizing the right to housing and has an obligation to treat people living in encampments with care and compassion – an approach that has already shown positive results.”
– Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair of the Economic & Community Development Committee
“This report marks a shift away from enforcement and another step toward putting people first. We know we have to make housing a priority as we work to address the root causes of homelessness. We’re encouraged by the improvements we’ve seen through enhanced supports for people living encampments and will continue to adjust our approach to meet these needs.”
– Gord Tanner, General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services
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