Vaccine passport adds more barriers for unhoused Hamiltonians, organizations say
Ontario's proof-of-vaccination system was implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 amid the fourth wave, but what happens when vulnerable Hamiltonians don't have the required documents to enter public spaces?
Between the removal of encampments and decreased access to shelters due to COVID-19 capacity limits, the pandemic has been difficult for folks without housing, and the proof-of-vaccination system may add to ongoing issues, local organizations say.
The system applies to most public spaces, including indoor restaurants and recreational facilities, among others. To enter, patrons must present both ID and proof they're fully vaccinated.
The pandemic has already created incredible barriers to people who are living on the street," said Don Seymour, executive director of Wesley, a non-profit that offers support to people experiencing poverty, homelessness and other barriers in Hamilton. The proof-of-vaccination system just adds to the ongoing hoops that people have to jump through."
While the program has the right intention to create a safe environment," people who are chronically homeless and living with addiction or mental health issues are very constrained," Seymour said.
Unhoused folks frequently have their identification stolen, or they may not have access to a smartphone to present their vaccine receipts to businesses, said Seymour.
In 2020, 2,733 people accessed shelters in Hamilton, and the city's street outreach program interacted with 477 people living in encampments between January 2020 and July 2021.
It's unclear how many people have accessed Hamilton shelters so far this year as the city could not provide those numbers by deadline.
In the city's most recent COVID-19 update, emergency operations centre director Jason Thorne said people will be able to use washrooms in city-owned recreation centres without providing proof of vaccination or ID. They can also access social services in those facilities. Beyond that, their options are slim.
People who are homeless often depend on recreation centres and coffee shops like Tim Hortons, which are included in the vaccine passport coverage, to keep warm in the colder months. Without proper identification, that may no longer be accessible to them," said Seymour.
The Hamilton Public Library and The Hub, a drop-in resource centre for those experiencing homelessness, are both offering free printing and laminating services for vaccination receipts, but getting identification isn't always as simple.
Jennifer Bonner, the executive director of The Hub, said they've been trying to get ID for people who are homeless the past few weeks in anticipation of the proof-of-vaccination mandate.
Having a health card seems normal for a lot of people ... but for folks living on the street, that's not necessarily the case," said Bonner.
Obtaining identification can take weeks and there are often fees associated which most folks can't afford to pay," said Bonner, who argued the province should help with costs.
An Ontario photo card costs $35 and birth certificates range from $25 to $75. The costs often aren't covered by agencies serving people who are homeless, and The Hub is one of the few that are stepping in to pay for it.
In addition, the logistical barriers of finding an agency to help, contacting Service Canada and getting photos taken for ID cards are also added barriers for folks experiencing homelessness, as travel to these destinations may be difficult.
Bonner worries the process will take too long and as the weather gets colder, people will be stuck outside.
It's just further stigmatization."
Alessia Passafiume is an intern reporter with The Spectator. Reach her via email: apassafiume@thespec.com