Municipal officers in Hamilton, Ontario, have increased pressure on residents of an encampment outside city hall by issuing notices asking them to leave. The tents have been set up since late February as a demonstration to highlight the need for more support for those experiencing homelessness. Organizers of the encampment, including poverty advocate Angela Vos, have vowed to stay until they secure housing for people and continue providing healthcare and services. Initially, the encampment began as a protest for various issues, including opening up the John Weir Foote Armoury as a warming center and objecting to the delay in development for affordable housing in downtown Stoney Creek.
Angela Vos recently met with Mayor Andrea Horwath to request additional amenities such as washrooms, power, and general care for the encampment, but her request was denied. The city issued initial trespass notices on March 1, shortly after the tents appeared in late February. Despite the efforts of the city’s street outreach team to engage individuals regularly and offer support, more notices were issued on Monday. The city’s manager of outreach, Danielle Blake, revealed that they have been continuously engaging with approximately 200 unhoused people over the past few months. It is estimated that close to 1,900 people are homeless in Hamilton, with around 258 visibly homeless and living in encampments.
The city of Hamilton has allocated significant funds to address homelessness, with approximately $80 million spent last year. This included $28 million from the province and $9.9 million from federal contributions. While the city has been actively engaging with unhoused individuals and providing support, the encampment outside city hall has brought additional attention to the issue of homelessness in the community. Despite facing pressure to leave the area, organizers remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for those in need of housing and essential services.
While the encampment started as a protest, it has evolved into a demonstration calling for increased support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organizers have emphasized the importance of securing housing and maintaining essential services for those in need. The city’s response to the encampment, including issuing notices to residents, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in Hamilton. Despite efforts to engage with unhoused individuals and provide support, more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.
The encampment outside Hamilton city hall has sparked discussions about the need for more affordable housing and support services in the community. Organizers have pushed for additional amenities at the site, such as washrooms and power, to improve living conditions for residents. The city’s allocation of funds towards addressing homelessness underscores the magnitude of the issue in Hamilton. Despite the city’s efforts to engage with unhoused individuals, the encampment serves as a visible reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living on the streets. Moving forward, there is a continued need for collaborative efforts between residents, advocates, and municipal officials to address homelessness effectively and ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.
