HOMELESSNESS, FOOD SECURITY GROWING CHALLENGES IN WHITBY

TOWN WILL BE HOME TO DURHAM'S 1ST FAMILY SHELTER

Lately, I've been talking a lot about all the exciting things on the horizon for Whitby.

But it's also important to recognize that our community faces challenges around homelessness and food security.

Whitby has the highest median household income in Durham region at $103,809, which can create the impression that our residents are not impacted by poverty.

The data tells a different story.

In 2022, more than 550 Whitby residents got help from Durham's homelessness support and co-ordinated access system.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, the number of people on the Region of Durham's "ByName List" grew from 209 to 273. This list keeps track of people experiencing chronic homelessness.

In Whitby, specifically, the number of people on the By-name List increased from nine to 22 during the same period.

In response to this, the Town of Whitby is working with the Region of Durham to provide supports to our most vulnerable residents.

I'm very pleased to share that Whitby will be the location of Durham's first family shelter.

Council recently voted to enter long-term leases with the region for two town-owned properties in downtown Whitby. A property on Colborne Street will be used as a transitional shelter with space for up to four families.

Historically, Durham has used a hotel program to support families experiencing homelessness. However, it is becoming challenging to book hotel rooms now that sports tournaments, business travel and tourism have returned.

There are times when families need to change hotels multiple times due to rooms being pre-booked. And times when there are no rooms available at all.

The new family shelter will provide safety, stability and supports when they're needed most.

The other property being leased to the region is on King Street and is home to an overnight warming shelter operated by the Salvation Army.

This service is much needed in our downtown, where we have people sleeping in parks, back alleys and seeking warmth in bus shelters.

Food security is also a growing concern in Whitby — the town saw a 128 per cent increase in visits to food banks between April 2021 and March 2022.

During that same period, the number of food bank clients in Whitby increased by 5,300 — including 2,000 new clients — and more than 20,000 Whitby residents visited meal programs.

This is resulting in many food banks struggling to keep food on the shelves for their clients.

Feed the Need in Durham's Hunger Report for 2022 shows the rising cost of food and housing, and declining wages as the top reasons people in Durham visited a food bank.

I recently had the privilege of bringing Whitby's front-line food bank providers together for a roundtable to talk about new ways of collaborating.

In the coming months, I will be keeping a close eye on these issues. I don't have all the answers, but I will be listening and looking for ways Whitby council can be part of solutions.

I'm very pleased to share that Whitby will be the location of Durham's first family shelter.