Number of homeless in encampments in Sudbury has more than doubled in a year

The City of Greater Sudbury reports a significant rise in homelessness, with approximately 200 people now living in encampments across 49 locations as of July 23. This is an increase from 77 people in 44 locations a year ago. The city’s approach involves using municipal bylaw officers to connect encampment residents with services and issue notices for removal from city property. The timeframe for clearing encampments depends on the availability of short-term housing and shelter space, with the city’s community outreach team providing services daily.

The city acknowledges that it cannot end homelessness alone and is committed to addressing the issue through its 2030 plan, which aims to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. However, the plan requires investments from all levels of government. Ray Landry from Sudbury’s Homelessness Network attributes the rise in homelessness to factors such as unaffordable rent for those on social assistance or fixed incomes, and displacement due to new ownership or “renovictions.” He emphasizes the need for federal support to build more affordable housing. Landry points to two upcoming projects as positive steps: a 38-unit development on Pearl Street and the Lorraine Street Affordable Housing Project with 40 units, both expected to be completed by 2025. These projects are seen as crucial to addressing the housing crisis in Sudbury.

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