I would like to discuss the issue of homelessness in Canada. Since the 1980s homeless people have been evident on the streets in Canada.
As stated in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, homeless people come from many walks of life. The most common reasons are not being able to pay rent (53 per cent), conflict or abuse (26 per cent), alcohol or drug use problems (eight per cent). Other reasons can include mental disorders, people leaving foster care, leaving jail or hospitalization, immigration, rising house costs and decreased rent controls, the governments (federal and provincial) reducing housing programs, and low social assistance rates.
Canada is one of the few places in the world without a national housing strategy. Housing is a fundamental human right and every individual should have a place to live and maintain their existence.
I think the government should find a way to house the thousands of people who are homeless, provide suitable counselling to these people, and help them find work even if it is just cleaning the litter off the streets. The government needs to step up and provide adequate care for all the citizens in Canada.
I am sure that it is demoralizing to those in need to ask for money on the streets. I have donated money on certain occasions to those I have seen, and also have given someone my lunch, and a coffee. People need to eat three decent meals a day and I know this is not happening in Canada.
As of 2007, there were approximately 200,000 and 300,000 people who were homeless in Canada, while another 1.7 million people had housing affordability issues. This is not acceptable for a resourceful country such as Canada.
Temporary shelters and soup kitchens are just band-aid solutions. Homeless people are dying on the streets from living in the cold or extreme heat and there is no major assistance to all of these people.
Homelessness is not a way to live and I am advocating for the government to take action and help make Canada a better place to be.
Communities try to assist as much as possible with Habitat for Humanity, food banks, and financial assistance as best they can. More fundraising is required by governments and communities, as well as finding employment to enable the necessities of life.
Please consider discussing the homelessness issues with government and find measures to better our country. I would be a willing volunteer, and I am sure that many citizens would help with volunteering to organizations required to assist the government in helping those in need.
The homeless would obviously be available to volunteer their time to better themselves. In doing so, they would be considered an equal part of society.
Pat Crosbie
Bracebridge