The Big Story What should we do about homeless encampments?
Dec 13, 2024
Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, dives deep into the complexities of dealing with homeless encampments in Canada. He critiques recent legislative moves in Ontario aimed at hastening evictions, arguing for a more humane Housing First approach. Richter highlights why many prefer living in encampments over shelters, citing safety and the need for reform. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions like permanent housing, urging swift governmental action to address homelessness effectively.
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Episode notes
Desire for Housing
- Nobody wants to live in encampments more than the people living there.
- The key is solving the housing problem, which doesn't necessarily mean waiting years for new construction.
Disaster Analogy
- Tim Richter draws an analogy between homelessness and natural disasters.
- He explains how disaster response prioritizes rapid rehousing, which should also be the approach for homelessness.
Avoid Displacement Without Housing
- Avoid simply pushing people out of encampments without providing alternative housing.
- This just scatters the issue and puts vulnerable people at greater risk.