Download a copy of this petition here.
To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
Whereas there is a housing and humanitarian crisis in communities across Ontario, which requires immediate action and collaboration at all levels of government, including provincial; and
Whereas homelessness continues to grow in Waterloo Region at an average annual rate of 28% since 2020, and chronic homelessness has increased by 129% since January 2020; and
Whereas in February 2024, there were 558 individuals on the Prioritized Access to Housing Supports (PATHS) List, which is the by-name waitlist of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region, with the 570 local supportive housing units already at capacity; and
Whereas affordable housing using a housing-first model and trauma-based care is a proven successful model for preventing and addressing homelessness; and
We the undersigned petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
- To commit to designating homelessness as a humanitarian crisis and make it a healthcare priority.
- Dedicate resources and support partnerships with not-for-profits to address the need for community housing.