New Council, Old Challenges

Ontarians hit the polls this fall to decide their municipal governments and in Hamilton that brought a new mayor and several new faces to Council.

We congratulate Mayor Andrea Horwath on her successful campaign, and welcome Cameron Kroetsch to Ward 2 and Councilor Nrinder Nann back to Ward 3, where Mission Services operates. This is a new beginning for our city and we plan to use this opportunity to continue to advocate for positive change that will benefit all Hamiltonians.

Food insecurity continues to rise. Between increasing inflation and unaffordable housing, our neighbours have no choice but to seek emergency food support. They either access a food program or don’t eat. Or, worse yet, they pay for groceries and have nowhere to live.

It’s also clear that Hamilton is facing a housing and homelessness crisis. Options for safe, affordable housing are severely lacking. Mission Services’ housing-focused shelter has been successful, housing 276 clients since the Housing UP! program launched in the spring of 2020. However, we need more focused efforts on finding permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness in our city.

We need the support and advocacy of City Council more than ever to ensure housing for everyone. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, housing is the only way to end homelessness.

Mission Services looks forward to working with City Council towards a better Hamilton for all its residents.