The hidden costs of not addressing homelessness in Waterloo Region: Expert

The issue of homelessness is one that can be seen across the country, the province, and directly in Waterloo Region as well, with many pointing to the daunting cost of working to resolve the problem.

One aspect that is said to often be overlooked in that scenario is the current recurring costs of not addressing it, which some experts say is higher than many realize.

Member with Citizens for Cambridge, Anne Tinker, spoke on the Mike Farwell Show about just what is being seen throughout the area today. She says the recurring costs from the current short-term solutions will only continue to grow until proper actions are put in place.

One of the most viable options that could reduce the ongoing strain financially, and for the homeless themselves as well, is supportive housing, which she says costs considerably less than other options.

“Shelter beds cost three times as much,” said Tinker. “Hospital beds are $13,500 a month, and correctional facilities, it’s over $4,000 whereas supportive housing is just over $600.”

Tinker says, as of now, the problems regarding homelessness are only getting worse across the board, meaning those ongoing financial costs are only growing in parallel with it. She says it’s an issue that is directly seen here in Waterloo Region, with no real resolution in sight.

“Shelters are full. We have no shelter in Waterloo Region right at this moment for women who are experiencing homelessness, and 40 per cent of those that are homeless now are older adults and some of them are outside, some are living in their cars. I get it, nobody wants encampments, but where do they go?”

One of the options that have been brought forward to tackle homelessness on a ground level, is the idea of converting unused hotels into proper accommodations to help those who need it.

“The buildings are there. They have bathrooms, you could put support services on-site or have them come in,” said Tinker. “Some communities have done that with motels and have been very successful, so that is a model that has been used elsewhere.”

She commends the region for its current efforts to try and improve the situation, pointing to the ongoing affordable housing pledge that has been working to increase further choices.

“Our region has done an incredible job. They have a great housing strategy, but you can’t do anything without the funding. We need it to start at the federal level, we need it to trickle down to the provincial level, and we need a provincial government that is committed to providing this.”