What could $25M be used for to help London's homeless? Here's what 3 local advocates said
CBC News | Posted: January 18, 2023 12:44 AM | Last Updated: January 18, 2023
The generous donation came from an anonymous London family
The City of London has been gifted a generous donation of $25 million from an anonymous family to help with the city's homelessness problem.
London Mayor Josh Morgan announced the gift during his first state-of-the-city address Tuesday morning.
The details of how the funds will be used for have yet to be released, but Morgan said it will go toward a plan to build a "permanent and sustainable system" that will replace the emergency response to the addiction and mental health crisis visible on the city's streets.
"Housing provides an opportunity to heal," Morgan said. "However, it does not, on its own, solve complex mental health and addictions issues. It does not on its own address poverty, food security, or skills training."
"Housing provides an opportunity to heal," Morgan said. "However, it does not, on its own, solve complex mental health and addictions issues. It does not on its own address poverty, food security, or skills training."
CBC News reached out to three local agencies who help vulnerable Londoners and asked where they think the funds can be invested.
Chuck Lazenby, the executive director of the Unity Project:
For any local organization looking to access these funds, we're going to want to see what comes out of the community plan. - Chuck Lazenby
Scott Courtice, the executive director of the London InterCommunity Health Centre:
So many people living on the street don't have access to regular medical care. So that would be our contribution. - Scott Courtice
Glen Pearson, co-director of the London Food Bank:
I do think mental health care is hugely important. - Glen Pearson