Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma believes even one person living on the street is too many, but the city is continuing to address the issue through its homelessness strategy.
He explained the city oversees the issue for area municipalities.
“We do have a homelessness strategy and it operates under social services. Beyond that, it functions under our shared services between St. Marys and Perth County. We manage it in the city and across the county, and we work together to utilize those dollars as best as possible.”
The city receives just over $3 million to support the issue and those dollars go towards several supports for those in need.
“Whether it’s outreach, supportive housing or overnight accommodations. We invest that money wisely and I can say that last winter was a tough one. It reminded me of when I was in high school in the 70s with snowfall and cold weather.”
The mayor said he would phone Kim McElroy, the city’s Director of Social Services, for an update from the street, and it was always positive.
“Her response was, without a doubt, was everyone who wants to be housed is housed. That would be a nightly routine. It’s a big job and a difficult job, but the passion here in our community, and beyond, is huge. It’s not seen as a burden. It’s seen as a service.”
Ritsma said no one is trying to move the homeless out of the city in cabs to make the problem go away.
The goal is to find housing, wherever that may be, including connecting family to family or friend to friend.
Residents have told the mayor it’s top of mind.
“That, and childcare. We get our regular calls and concerns about roads and infrastructure, but the human side of it remains number one, which it should be. We can do a great job on the physical stuff, but it’s the social infrastructure people are most passionate about and connected to.”
The Stratford Connection Centre provides essential supports for individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or precarious housing. Operated through a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth, Choices for Change, the United Way Perth-Huron, the City of Stratford, and other community organizations, the centre serves as a vital hub for care and connection.
Ritsma, who served as the United Way’s fundraising chair when the centre was established, has expressed his hope to see the facility expanded to offer overnight support for those in need.
“It’s a trust piece and some people do not trust the idea of being housed, they just don’t. We have to provide opportunities where if the trust isn’t there, then let’s get to a location where they are already familiar. Let’s get to a location where they have some sense of comfort and trust and build on that.”
He added in the long term, homelessness isn’t resolved in a shelter.
“It might be a band-aid, but we need to build long-term housing.”
Part 2 of this story will be available online and on-air with a discussion about the future of homelessness in the area.
