‘Not surprising, but hard to hear’: House of Friendship director responds to latest PiT numbers
Posted Nov 28, 2024 03:50:29 PM.
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024 03:50:35 PM.
Homelessness in Waterloo Region has increased dramatically over the last few years, but one director at the House of Friendship is not surprised.
Speaking on The Mike Farwell Show on Thursday, Jennifer Scott, the Housing Director at the House of Friendship, said the latest numbers from the Point in Time (PiT) count are “hard to hear,” but do not come as a surprise.
“They are best friends, they’re cousins, siblings and people we care deeply about and want to support,” said Scott.
The House of Friendship provides a shelter care facility that houses 100 men who are experiencing homelessness. Scott said they are seeing full beds every night.
“We’re seeing a lot of folks with complex health and mental health concerns. Within shelter care, they’re able to access health care, sometimes for the first time, and provide some stability so they can get ready for the next step which is housing.”
The latest PiT numbers show over 2,300 people are experiencing homelessness in the region, an increase of 119 per cent from 2021.
Work is also underway on the Friendship Village, a new supportive housing project that will have 100 units with onsite health care, addiction services and individualized support as part of its first phase. The second phase, which is years down the road, will add 70 more units. Scott said they are hoping to create three levels of care to help those experiencing homelessness.
“We’re trying to build community and ensure that people have the access that they need to health care supports,” said Scott.
The Friendship Village will be located at 63 Charles St., the former location of the old House of Friendship that was demolished in October.
