More money needed to end homelessness

Social service delivery agencies in northern Ontario are asking for more money for mental health supports and social housing.

They’ve compiled a report showing the waiting list for affordable housing has grown by almost 50 percent in the past two years and now sits at more than 13,000.

Charlene Strain is the CEO of CMHA Fort Frances more mental health supports are needed.

“For individuals living with mental illness or substance use challenges, long waits for housing – particularly housing with embedded supports – significantly increase the risk of crisis, hospitalization and chronic homelessness,” says Strain.

“Housing without mental health and addiction supports underperforms and creates higher costs for hospitals, shelters and corrections.”

In addition, they say mental health and substance abuse related visits to the emergency room are four times higher in northern Ontario than the rest of the province.

Sara Dias is the CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association office in Kenora and says ERs are not the right place for people suffering mental health crises.

“Emergency departments have become the default support for those experiencing mental health challenges in many northern communities,” Dias said

“These services are essential, but they are not designed to provide the long-term, recovery-oriented supports people need to remain well, housed and connected to their communities.”

The solution the report says is a $435 million injection, into a targeted stabilization strategy.

The report suggests that’s 1.3 cents for every dollar generated by the economy of northern Ontario.

The report was conducted by HelpSeeker Technologies, in partnership with the CMHA and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association.