On October 8, I watched the livestream of the CBC-hosted CBRM mayoral debate.

You can watch it here, if you missed it. 

Former CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke announced that he,  if elected, will move the Ally Centre of Cape Breton, and homeless shelters somewhere.

Somewhere “appropriate."

Appropriate for who?

I have been thinking about Clarke’s plan since the debate and I want to share 3 fundamental points that I think you should consider if you want our municipal government to seriously tackle homelessness and the complex issues around it.

1. Clearly, Clarke should not decree that the Ally Centre and existing homeless shelters be moved.

Did you know that the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS) published Creating the future we all deserve: A Social Policy Framework for Nova Scotia?  You can access it here.

(There is even a workbook. You can access it here.)

The CCPA-NS tells us that the workbook, “ can be used in conversations with our neighbours, friends, co-workers, and elected officials about the kind of society we want and the social policies we need to support it.”

So, let's check Clark's policy out. Does it fit with Social Policy Framework?

No, no it does not. 

A policy regarding where shelters or services for the unhoused in our community should, according to the Social Policy Framework, be mindful of the principles of social inclusion and democratization.

This means, partly, that “Social policy that works for everyone must ensure that everyone has a say in its creation” and “work for those in urban and rural  locations.”

No decrees.

2. Experts tell us that moving homeless shelters from downtowns simply does not work.

We should expect our mayor and councillors to seek out best practices, through the efforts of the CBRM staff, as they develop a social policy.

(Remember, our last council voted to give Rapid Housing Initiative funding of 5 million dollars back from whence it came.) 

Experts tell us that moving homeless shelters from downtowns is not a viable plan. 

To quote expert Monty Ghosh, an internist and addiction specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, and an internist at the Foothills and Rockyview Hospitals: 

 “Our homeless populations are not tethered to a shelter. Rather, the population is tethered to the downtown core.

If one was to examine almost every city in North America, they would notice that those who are experiencing homelessness congregate in the city's downtown. The reasons for this are numerous. For instance, there is a higher density of housing in the downtown core where many who have entered homelessness once resided. When they leave their homes, they try their best to maintain a connection with their community.

There is also a larger concentration of social services in the core, which cater not only to the homeless, but countless low-income individuals, families, and groups who require further assistance.”

So....

3. CBRM is not alone in trying to solve a homeless issue.

Clarke refers to reaching out to other levels of government for assistance, and this is, of course, wise.

But Canada has a national plan to tackle homelessness, based on research and facts, it has shown success - Housing First. You can learn about it here.

Nova Scotia and CBRM use Housing First. 

Why is Clarke ignoring this plan? 

The basic idea is to move chronically unhoused people into housing as quickly as possible. This includes considering “scattered-site housing in the public or private rental markets.”

Supports for people living with addiction, mental health problems,  or other issues will be provided after housing.

Let us as a community demand that our government apply the principles of Housing First, as our non-profits are, and rapidly reduce homelessness in CBRM.

Let's fund programs that move people directly into homes, not move shelters around.

A final note.

Clarke’s suggested policies around policing and crime reduction must be evaluated outside of building policy around homelessness.

For example, his plan to install surveillance cameras throughout our downtown must be compliant with the Office of Information and Privacy Commission of Nova Scotia:

“ Public bodies and municipalities cannot collect, use or disclose any personal information unless specifically authorized under these laws. Video surveillance collects personal information in the form of images of individuals participating in various activities from walking down a street to spray painting your front door with graffiti.”