St. Catharines to call 40,000 residents over homelessness issue

St. Catharines will be joined by partners from across the region to host a Telephone Town Hall where calls will be made to residents to ask questions and gather input on the homelessness issues in St. Catharines.

Mayor Mat Siscoe and City staff will be joined by representatives from Niagara Region, Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO) and Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) to answer questions during the telephone town hall on July 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The effects of homelessness are more visible each day in our city and are on many people’s minds,” says Mayor Mat Siscoe.

“There seems to be misinformation circulating about encampment practices and how we collaborate with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in our community, so the City of St. Catharines, along with our regional partners, will connect directly with thousands of citizens to provide accurate information and answer their questions.”

A telephone town hall operates similarly to a radio call-in show, except instead of individuals calling in, the City will randomly call 40,000 households and ask residents if they would like to participate.

“While not directly involved in the provision of housing and homelessness services, the City is at the forefront when dealing with its complex associated issues. We are looking forward to hosting this Telephone Town Hall to engage with residents on actions the City takes on the front lines,” says Chief Administrative Officer David Oakes.

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Anyone who wants to ensure their participation in the call, request not to be called, or submit a question or comment they would like addressed, can do so at stcatharines.ca/TTH or by calling Citizens First at 905.688.5600.

Those who would like to have their number added or deleted from the call list must do so before July 12 at noon. A recording of the call will be available afterward on the City’s website.

Residents on the list will receive an automated pre-call a few days in advance to advise them to expect the call.

“Niagara Region offers a full array of programs and services, and the City has supported those efforts by directly funding outreach services, creating a housing action plan to address affordable housing, assisting agencies providing direct housing and homelessness services, and ensuring safe public spaces for all,” continued Oakes.