Homelessness: a growing crisis in Cambridge

By Barbara Latkowski

After the House of Friendship in Kitchener announced a temporary closure of its emergency shelter earlier this month, the homelessness crisis in the region continues to grow.

“The need is huge. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” says Sharon Livingstone, Board Chair at the Cambridge Housing Corporation.

There are about 70 homeless men who have been displaced by the closure.

It's the first such closure in the 82-year history of the House of Friendship which provides food, housing, addiction treatment and neighbourhood support to individuals and families.

With the pandemic and winter on the way, the need for shelter will only increase, causing concern for many social service agencies in Cambridge.

“Because of COVID-19, we could not accommodate the same numbers that we could before. We have 80 beds, but we haven’t been able to utilize all of them because of the pandemic,” Livingstone said.

“So, we are using a local hotel to take in the overflow. This is the plan, to use a local hotel as the need increases. And, at the moment, part of that plan is to move residents here from the House of Friendship who are currently staying in Guelph.”

The men have until Nov. 30 to make the move.  

“But they may individually do different things, like couch surf or go to another community,” Livingstone said.

Dianne McLeod, executive director at the Cambridge Food Bank, says that the state of homelessness today is a challenge.

“The Food Bank supports those who do not do well in shelters. We are really worried about them this winter.”

Livingstone agrees that food security and housing often go together.

The key drivers of homelessness are the economy and the housing market. Rental costs have increased dramatically over the past 10 years and a lack of affordable housing has increased to record high numbers.

“Rental evictions are kicking in. More people are on the streets. We already know that over 150 people are living rough in Cambridge, living in encampments or tents,” Livingstone said.

Affordability is the most significant challenge in helping move people out of shelters according to Livingstone.

“Right now, we are seeing an increase in older adults. People who have recently lost their partner. A husband or wife passes away and then they can no longer afford to pay the rent on their own,” she said.

“We are also seeing more people with disabilities. We just had a gentleman come in who is visually impaired. It’s impossible. They can’t afford these increases.”

Another issue in Cambridge is a lack of shelter for youth.

“This is concerning in Cambridge. Youth can stay at our facility, The Bridges, but is it not the ideal place for them, so they are homeless and couch surfing,” Livingstone said.

The Cambridge Shelter Corporation operates The Bridges, which has been providing emergency shelter for over 100 individuals each night prior to the pandemic.

Since the pandemic, the overflow was placed at a local motel where a team of housing workers immediately went to work to find permanent housing for them.

“During COVID-19, and as of yesterday we have been able to find housing for 132 people,” Livingstone said.

“That is a really awesome number, and it is due to our housing team who have supported them during their transition.”

The Cambridge Shelter Corporation says that it believes in a “whole person” approach to serving clients and works in partnership with other agencies to ensure that clients have access to the services they need to achieve personal success.

With winter weather on the way, Livingstone says there are many ways that the community can help.

Giving Tuesday, a National Day of Giving, is coming up on Nov. 30.

“People can donate to the charity of their choice on this day. And we always welcome financial donations. Right now, there is a huge need for men’s clothing, especially now, with the House of Friendship closure,” Livingstone said.

“We are in need of men’s clothing, boots and shoes.”

The reasons for homelessness are complex, but Livingstone says increased rental costs continue to be a driving force.

“Many of these people just can’t afford rent.” Livingstone said.

“They are someone’s sister, son, daughter, or brother. It’s important to remember that people suffering from homelessness are part of someone’s family.”

For more information and to donate, visit cambridgesheltercorp.ca

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