The need for emergency housing
As many of us are staying home during this pandemic, we can only imagine what it is like for those who have no home. Even before our present COVID-19 situation, Ottawa City Council declared homelessness and the lack of affordable housing an emergency. The pandemic crisis has exasperated the situation.
Recently, the federal government stated the need to help those in financial difficulty. This is important and welcome as many are suffering from this current economic downturn. Now is a time to be especially vigilant to ensure that our most vulnerable residents also have their basic needs for shelter and affordable housing met in this pandemic situation. I support asking the federal government for financial assistance to increase the availability of affordable housing which is so needed in our City. This is a good time to explore options such as purchasing hotels to house those in need. This has been done before and can help be done again as our municipality works to move away from paying high rents for motel rooms. Let’s not forget our most needy residents as we live through this pandemic.
In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.
