Homelessness has existed in Stratford and Perth County for years, but the complexities of the issue and the response continue to evolve.
It’s particularly challenging in the dead of winter.
Stratford was part of a recent study submitted by service managers to get a better understanding of what was happening and where the pressure points are, said Kim McIlroy, Director of Social Services, with the City of Stratford.
The city’s social services department has consolidated responsibility for Perth county.
McIlroy said they keep monthly statistics online and one of the more troubling trends is ‘chronic homelessness’ – which includes for extended periods, usually six months or longer.
“That is fairly significant to me and that is where the problem lies.”
McIlroy said about 30 people in the county are living ‘unsheltered’. The vast majority, up to 90 per cent, are in the city, where services that can help are located.
(December, 2024 stats are in the graphic below)
McIlroy is proud of the partnerships that have been created over the years to tackle homelessness, noting it is not just social services or a city problem.
There are teams working together, interconnected that are addressing this, she said.
“It’s about working collaboratively and understanding that homelessness, mental health and addictions – it is not criminal, it’s health and we all have to work together.”
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said homelessness continues to be a leading conversation whether at city council chambers or with residents out and about.
An Association of Ontario Municipalities report states 80,000 Ontarians were known to be homeless in 2024, a 25 per cent increase since 2022.
The mayor said we must also be cognizant of others who are struggling.
“And it’s important to identify that if we don’t do the right thing, those people that are on the cusp, on that edge, can be become homeless.”
Ritsma said there needs to be an increase in investment in provincial and municipally-owned property, to get people housed first, then address additional issues, including mental health.
