Supporting unhoused people in Ward 15
Homelessness has reached unprecedented levels in municipalities across southern Ontario. In Hamilton, nearly 20,000 people access a food bank monthly, as 40% more people are using food banks now than this time last year.
The City of Hamilton is investing nearly $215 per capita in housing and homelessness in 2024, for a total of approximately $186 million. This is an increase of $39 million or 27% more than in 2023. The provincial and federal government combine for only 30% that of this spending, leaving local taxpayers to fund $125 million of the total investment. Spending priorities (in order) include affordable housing, tenant supports, social housing, shelter spaces and encampments.
Homelessness is a complex, but solvable problem. Hamilton’s strategy is to build a system that ensures homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or if it cannot be prevented that it is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Although much of Hamilton’s homeless population resides in-and-around the downtown core, no area is without unhoused people.
In Waterdown, Flamborough and Carlisle the problem is not as visible as it is in the lower city. However, our community is not immune. Recently, a group of concerned community members, along with myself, members of Hamilton Police Service, the City’s Homeless Outreach Team, Men’s Street Ministry, Hamilton Out of the Cold, Flamborough Food Bank, Flamborough Connects, and Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS), met to discuss homelessness in Ward 15. The group was a great reflection of the care and compassion that resides within our community. At the meeting, City staff made the group aware that they are already in contact with several unhoused people living in Ward 15 and have been for some time now. The Outreach team is responsible for making contact with an unhoused person, providing information & resources, and assisting anyone who wants to seek a spot in a shelter. Residents who attended the meeting left assured that the professionals who are actively engaging with unsheltered residents are doing great work in a tough job.
Residents who wish to disclose the location of an unhoused individual are encouraged to do so by contacting unsheltered@hamilton.ca. Remember, outreach staff are trained professionals, who are equipped to navigate issues of addiction and/or mental health within the community they serve. It’s best to respect the expertise and training of the Coordinated Response Team and allow staff the opportunity to make contact with people, rather than attempting to do so yourself. If you believe that someone needs assistance, please do not hesitate to contact unsheltered@hamilton.ca or phone 905-546-2828.
Ward 15 is a community of giving, caring people. If you are looking for ways to support those less fortunate, consider donating to the Flamborough Food Bank and Food With Grace Waterdown Food Bank. In addition, the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) is collecting winter gear to fill 500 drawstring bags for those who are unhoused. You can also support the efforts of Flamborough Connects, which offers an array of social services to members of the community.
For more information about the City of Hamilton’s Housing and Homelessness strategy, please visit:
Housing and Homelessness Action Plan
