Comments on: Ontario’s Homelessness Epidemic – No Quick Fixes

By: Annette

Annette — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 19:52:28 +0000

We really need addiction centers that provide supervised detox, housing and mental health support.

By: Joesy

Joesy — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:54:21 +0000

Many get housing but abuse the situation and they’re back on the street.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:37:05 +0000

I relocated to Belleville a decade ago and really enjoyed living here. However, the past few years have made me rethink that. It’s disappointing to witness the transformation of this once lovely town. And then there’s this person who just keeps supporting them… the cycle just keeps repeating. If you keep giving them what they want, they’ll keep showing up. If you keep picking up after them, they’ll continue to make a mess. I believe that all items should be taken to the shelter or drop-in center so they can be distributed correctly.

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:01:01 +0000

If you’re down there every day feeding them, they won’t need to hit up churches and other charities for food. If you’re taking care of their mess, they won’t have to deal with it. They’ll just hang around until you come down. Do you tidy up your teen’s room, or do you let him handle it on his own? And about that building, maybe they should’ve just built one.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:27:10 +0000

As someone who has experienced homelessness first hand in Toronto, I understand the challenges and struggles that come with not having a place to call home. Navigating the city’s hidden corners, I met people from all walks of life, each with their own unique story and journey. The streets became my unexpected home, but through perseverance and determination, I was able to overcome my struggles and beat my addiction.

Being homeless in a bustling city like Toronto is incredibly tough, but I never lost hope. I sought help from local shelters and support services, and with their assistance, I was able to get back on my feet.

While Toronto offers various resources for the homeless, there is still a need for more extensive facilities to help individuals like myself. Having access to lockers and day centers would give individuals the freedom to move about without lugging around their belongings. Oftentimes, carrying suitcases, trash bags, and shopping carts can be a barrier

By: Rose DesRochers

Rose DesRochers — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:34:05 +0000

In reply to Kelly Gilbert. How are they going to pay those fines?

By: Kelly Gilbert

Kelly Gilbert — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:32:26 +0000

The Ontario Bill 6, also known as the Safe Community Act, raises serious concerns about its potential impact on the homeless population. While public drug consumption is undoubtedly problematic, the proposed penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail, appear disproportionately harsh, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness. For those who lack stable housing and are forced to live in public spaces like parks, often in tents, this legislation effectively criminalizes their very existence and offers no realistic path towards escaping their circumstances. Instead of providing support and resources to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction, Bill 6 risks further marginalizing and penalizing a vulnerable population already struggling with significant challenges.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:18:43 +0000

The situation is undeniably awful, and the rising cost of food and high interest rates are only exacerbating the problem, promising a surge in hardship for many. This is particularly concerning in Kingston too where I live. We are grappling with a significant crisis.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:50:46 +0000

This reminds me of the truly eye-opening article written by Kevin Dahlgren, and it's something I feel compelled to share. What makes it particularly striking is that it doesn't concern events in Canada, but rather details a situation in Portland, Oregon about just this. I've included a link to the article in the comments for anyone interested in delving deeper. Trust me, it's a read that will leave you pondering and is well worth your time. https://nypost.com/2023/01/17/help-homeless-get-off-streets-dont-enable-their-behavior/

By: Rose DesRochers

Rose DesRochers — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:44:32 +0000

In reply to Judy. I agree. There are so many seniors and families that are barely making it. The rising price of groceries, coupled with soaring housing costs and energy bills, has squeezed household budgets to the breaking point, leaving many with the agonizing choice between paying for rent, utilities, or putting food on the table.

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:31:15 +0000

My ODSP barely covers the rent. Every month is a tightrope walk, a desperate shuffle to cover the basics. I often wonder what will happen if the rent goes up again.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:26:41 +0000

There’s a distinction between giving help and making someone dependent. It looks like some people are leaning more towards the second one.

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:21:31 +0000

Thank you for sharing your insights regarding the ongoing homelessness crisis in Ontario. I appreciate your thoughtful analysis of the complexities surrounding this issue and the acknowledgment that there are no quick fixes.

As we navigate this challenging landscape, it is imperative that we adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses not only immediate needs but also the underlying systemic factors contributing to homelessness.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:01:53 +0000

Exactly. Band-aid solutions won’t cut it. We need sustainable, long-term strategies addressing the root causes of homelessness.