On Homelessness and Harm Reduction

I made a bold promise last fall – to take action on harm reduction and homelessness.

Just two months after being elected, I brought forward a Motion to create a new integrated model of care that will provide a continuum of high quality harm reduction and related health services.

As the proponent of this comprehensive policy and framework, I am committed to doing all I can to ensure its integrated components are implemented in a cohesive, complete manner.  Having secured City Council support for the framework, I will continue to advocate for its implementation. I will work with all the interests necessary to make sure this framework is well designed and uses best practices in its operation. Bringing this initiative to life will take an inclusive collaboration among community members, health service providers, police, the City and many others. I strongly believe we can create a locally appropriate continuum of health services for vulnerable people that will work for Victoria.

And on homelessness, this Council has, with its community and government partners, added almost 800 units of housing stock and invested in hundreds of new housing options from emergency shelters to market rentals, greatly reducing street homelessness.

It is a good start, of which I’m proud. But there is so much yet to be done – we need Councillors at the table who will continue to make it a priority to facilitate action (by the City and its allies) on housing, homelessness and services for the vulnerable.