It’s cold out there!
The mix of the Omicron surge, frigid winter temperatures, and a lack of adequate beds to shelter those affected by the mounting housing crisis, is affecting our most vulnerable, the unhoused. This month, the city’s shelter intake ‘crashed’ turning people out into the streets. What is needed?
Emergency Survival Supplies: for those on the streets and in encampments
Organizations providing outreach are looking for tents, winter sleeping bags, warm gloves, winter boots, winter coats, hoodies, etc. LUC COVID Relief funds have gone towards such purchases this month; hoodies and sweatpants were delivered to Eastminster’s Out of the Cold, and survival supplies to Sanctuary, one of the downtown distribution depots. Donating to this fund is one way you can help, as disbursements to meet needs of food and shelter insecurity are ongoing. The church will not be collecting items at this time. If you have suitable items to donate, please contact Emily or me for information on drop off locations.
Immediate Pressure on the City
The Shelter and Housing Justice Network has identified core demands of the city for additional protection and services such as more warming centres, opening these at higher temperatures, a moratorium on encampment evictions during this crisis, expanded overdose prevention within the shelters, and demands relating to COVID / infection control. Dozens and dozens of organizations, including members of Faith in the City, have joined together, through rallies, letters, and press releases, in a united plea for the city to respond.
In the Longer Term
As faithful Christians we should be part of the bigger solution. How can we be an informed voice, working towards justice with partners and all levels of government, in how we frame sharing lands and space to ensure a safe home and community for all.
Sheila Lacroix
on behalf of Leaside United
Note: If you are connected with real estate, development, or other work that relates to housing in our city, and would be interested in being part of a larger conversation about what we can do towards housing solutions in our city with the North Toronto Cluster of Churches, please contact Emily Gordon (emily@leasideuc.com)
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