‘We’ll see larger numbers of deaths, injuries’: Frontline homelessness advocates warn of dire consequences if funding is altered

Homelessness frontline workers are warning of 'dire consequences' if funding in London changes. CTV London's Sean Irvine has the details.

A group of advocates is warning there could be ‘more deaths’ on the street if London’s homelessness response is altered.

Nearly 80 frontline workers have signed a letter in advance of a city council debate on Tuesday.

That’s when politicians will consider a multi-year housing stability plan.

It responds to a shortfall of $4.2 million in funding as two federal programs expire on March 31.

The frontline workers warn that any changes impacting supportive housing or winter outreach programs will have one dire result: More tragedy on the street.

“We’ll see larger numbers of deaths, larger numbers of injuries to people’s bodies,” stated Mechele te Brake, a frontline worker for 23 years, and signer of the letter.

Another cosigner, Daniel Oudshoorn, added that frontline positions must be protected.

“It’s the outreach workers who find, as they did not that long ago, the person in their tent with their feet literally frozen to the ground. It was outreach workers who called 911 and got that person to the hospital, because that saved that person’s life. We’re talking about cutting those services.”

The workers contend their warning comes as “a group of city councillors work together to defund, limit and control some city housing services.”

Without naming any names, the group stated that it further opposes any plan to cut agency service contracts with the city from two years to one.

Last week, Councillor Susan Stevenson told CTV News that current contracts should only be extended for one year with a one-year renewal contingent on council’s support.

The second-year renewal would only get a green light if the data suggests programs are working.

“How often are EMS, police, and fire there? What are the outcomes of people? We say people are being housed, but is it safe and secure? Is it long-lasting? Are people getting well and better?” Stevenson told CTV’s Daryl Newcombe.

te Brake contends that frontline experience is the best measure of which programs are seeing results.

“Cumulatively, we have 708 years of experience. So, the people who are doing the work know how to speak this conversation.”

Heading into Tuesday’s meeting, the Community and Protective Services Committee is recommending that council back agencies during a two-year transition period.

The frontline workers call it the bare minimum as London’s housing crisis grows.

“It’s appalling. It’s devastating. Nobody wants to think that you live in London, Ontario in 2026. And there’s, on any given night, more than 600 people sleeping outside,” concluded an exasperated Oudshoorn.