Updated Hamilton officials join forces in pitch to province for homelessness funding

Mayor Fred Eisenberger says he's hopeful" a $5-million pitch to help tackle Hamilton's homelessness crisis finds favour with the province.

Eisenberger said city officials joined representatives from local hospitals, McMaster University, the Hamilton Community Foundation and police to present their proposal to the province Monday.

The joint effort aims to couple affordable housing with health services to help keep people with the most complex needs off the street, he told council Wednesday.

Those wraparound supports" from the health sector are key not only to sustaining housing, but also to lighten the load" on hospitals and police responding to emergencies.

So the effort is to head off that crisis approach and look at a more long-term sustainable solution that requires funding."

Eisenberger said the $5-million plan would serve 100 people with highly acute needs, such as mental-health and addiction issues.

Local officials made their request to Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, the mayor said.

The proposal to the province comes during a homelessness crisis manifested in encampments in city parks and packed shelters grappling with coronavirus outbreaks.

Hamilton offers housing with supports through social-service agencies but there is as gap" for those with the most complex challenges said Edward John, the city's housing director.

He told council there is a crucial need" at the moment, but this void in services existed before the pandemic as well.

In the meantime, councillors also plan to bring representatives of local sectors and organizations together to hash out lasting solutions to house people living in tents.

City officials say the number of people living outside ranges from 80 to 140 throughout the year but the most recent estimate, amid the cold weather, is 30 to 35.

Those discussions should include people who do outreach work and those who have lived experience with homelessness, Coun. Nrinder Nann said Wednesday.

Their input will ensure council is hearing very clearly" what needs to be addressed through support from all three levels of government, said Nann, who led the call for a collaborative effort to address encampments.

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com