In a presentation to the South Huron Council last Monday night, Erin Schooley, a representative from the Housing Services Department for the County of Huron, shed light on the pressing issue of homelessness within the community.
Schooley pointed out that the behavior of homeless individuals can sometimes obscure the underlying issues they face, including intergenerational trauma, which contributes to mental and physical health challenges.
To address these issues, the County of Huron has pivoted to a by-name list, tracking people experiencing homelessness in real time.
Currently, 92 people are on the list, but over its lifetime, 220 have been registered, with many losing contact and falling off the list. Schooley stressed the importance of using this list to triage services for those in immediate need.
Schooley presented a variety of data to council, but also worked to establish the basic principles that guide the county’s approach.
Furthermore, Schooley highlighted that the long-term homeless population is often overserved, leading to a forced dependence on basic needs services. She emphasized the importance of tailoring support to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Following the presentation, Councilor Neeb inquired about the ratio of individuals represented on the list compared to those who refuse to consent to tracking.
Schooley said that there are some indicators that the number is much larger than it appears.
Graphics from Schooley’s presentation attempted to capture the scale of the issue.
Schooley’s presentation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the homeless population in South Huron and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to provide them with the support and resources they require to rebuild their lives, and remain supported members of the community.
Council will address their thoughts on the presentation at a subsequent meeting.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
