Toronto Advocates Demand City Councillors Engage Directly with Homeless on Policies

Advocates at Toronto city hall are calling for city councillors to directly engage with unhoused people before making policy decisions on homelessness. The Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union, a group representing people who are currently or have been homeless, says councillors need to talk to those directly affected by these decisions, not just people who think they can speak on their behalf.

The advocates are demanding a moratorium on encampment evictions, extension of shelter hotel leases, reopening of 24-hour winter respite centers, and increasing the city's shelter and support services budget. They also want the city to open more 24-hour respite spaces, add 2,000 rent supplements, and divert funding from policing to community services.

Al, an unhoused person and executive board member of the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union, said councillors need to talk to those affected by the decisions, as they are the ones facing life-and-death consequences. Outreach workers like Greg Cook and Megan Carver highlighted the lack of shelter spaces and the need for immediate housing and safe shelter.

Why this matters: The demands from advocates and unhoused people shine a light on the urgent need to address homelessness in Toronto. The call for direct engagement with those affected by homelessness policies underscores the importance of including their voices and experiences in the decision-making process.

City staff are expected to present a report on the city's response to encampments in May. Gord Tanner, the general manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, acknowledged there is room for improvement in listening to people experiencing homelessness and said the city is evaluating its winter programs.

Key Takeaways

• Advocates demand Toronto councillors directly engage unhoused people on policy decisions.
• Advocates call for moratorium on encampment evictions, shelter hotel lease extensions, and more.
• Unhoused people want a seat at the table, more 24-hour respite spaces, and funding shifts.
• Lack of shelter spaces and need for immediate housing and safe shelter highlighted.
• City to present report on encampments in May, acknowledging need to better listen to unhoused.