Residency requirement a fair approach to housing
The Chamber supports a motion by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps for residency requirements to prioritize placement in supported housing. The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, released this week by the Community Social Planning Council, provides a snapshot of the number of people living outdoors or in shelters on a given night.
Volunteers and staff combed the region on March 11 and reported at least 1,523 people experiencing homelessness. The survey showed that 84% of people had been living in Greater Victoria for more than a year. A further 4% weren’t able to answer or chose not to answer.
Our region has struggled for years to help people transition to more permanent housing. We do not have the capacity to become a destination for people from across the country who would be better served by accessing services in their communities.
Volunteers and staff combed the region on March 11 and reported at least 1,523 people experiencing homelessness. The survey showed that 84% of people had been living in Greater Victoria for more than a year. A further 4% weren’t able to answer or chose not to answer.
Our region has struggled for years to help people transition to more permanent housing. We do not have the capacity to become a destination for people from across the country who would be better served by accessing services in their communities.
