A group of local volunteers deeply concerned about homelessness say the only way Sarnia-Lambton will solve the problem is if the entire community works together.
To that end, a public forum is planned Tuesday Sept. 24 at the Dante Club where concerns can be aired and solutions can be suggested, says organizer John Barnfield.
“Any solution to homelessness has to be a community effort,” he said. “As a community we have lost our way and we need to come together.”
Barnfield, along with other community volunteers Jim Curran, Tom Strifler and Michael John Kooy, are working together to bring a number of speakers to the forum and draw as many local residents as possible.
The speakers include:
• Ian Hanney, supervisor of homeless prevention for Lambton County;
• Valerie Colasanti, general manager of Lambton County’s social services;
• Jim Curran of Nightlight;
• Anita Trusler, of CHIC (Community Health Integrated Care); and
• Julie Harries, Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team.
Closing remarks will be made by Lambton County’s CAO Stephane Thiffeault.
Barnfield said housing and social services are the responsibility of upper tier government in Sarnia-Lambton and that’s why the speakers come from the Lambton County level, not the city. However, several city representatives are expected to attend along with Police Chief Derek Davis, he said.
Following the speakers’ comments, Barnfield will moderate a Q & A between a panel of speakers and the audience. Additionally, the public is invited to submit questions, comments and concerns ahead of time by emailing [email protected].
The forum comes after numerous meetings among a group of community volunteers interested in addressing the housing crisis and related homelessness.
What’s clear is that Sarnia needs a “holistic” approach, Barnfield said. “Each organization has something to offer but, instead of working in silos, we want to be working together, collaboratively. This meeting is a vital step in that process.”
He said that, like many others, he is concerned about a lack of progress and the increasing size of the homeless encampment in Rainbow Park.
“I hear the frustration of neighbours, downtown merchants and others. Sometimes it’s anger at how it’s being dealt with or not being dealt with.”
But Barnfield said he has a sense of optimism that solutions can be found with a community-wide approach. He pointed to cities such as New Orleans, Medicine Hat, Houston and St. Thomas where there have been varying degrees of success reducing the homeless population.
He was among a group of Sarnians who travelled down the 402 to London this summer to learn how that city is tackling its homeless problem.
“There’s no quick solution but London is implementing a longer term affordable housing approach,” said Barnfield. “In the short term, we all know there are more immediate issues about encampments, drug issues, interim housing and mental health.
“One thing we can all agree on is that encampments must go,” he said. “We also agree that, with the right heart and the right process, there is nothing we can’t do.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Housing and Homelessness Community Forum
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
WHERE: Dante Club, 1330 London Road
HOSTED BY: The Rotary Club of Sarnia in partnership with John Barnfield (community volunteer) and Jim Curran (Nightlight).