TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:
WHEREAS a report from the City of London estimated that over 400 Londoners currently use emergency shelters, and other estimations put the statistic as closer to 800;
WHEREAS at least 59 per cent of homeless individuals reported experiencing mental health issues, and 57 per cent said they struggle with addiction. Indigenous people are far more likely to experience homelessness in London, making up 2.6 per cent of the population but 30 per cent of the homeless population.
WHEREAS London and area shelters are running over 100% capacity on a regular basis and vacancy rates in London are consistently hovering around one per cent.
WE THE UNDERSIGNED petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to invest in a provincial housing strategy, affordable housing, and supportive housing for those experiencing mental health issues; and we ask that the government immediately release emergency funds to London’s homelessness prevention system, including shelters, so that they are able to provide assistance to people in crisis.