Windsor's homelessness situation becomes more defined, yet the local council seeks a more in-depth understanding
The number of homeless individuals in Windsor-Essex has significantly increased, with the 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count revealing 672 people experiencing homelessness, more than double the 251 counted in 2021 [1]. This alarming trend has prompted Windsor City Council to take action, directing the administration to send letters to upper levels of government for ongoing advocacy around funding and support for homelessness [2].
The PiT Count, conducted by OrgCode Consulting and part of Ottawa's Reaching Home strategy, surveyed 388 individuals or families [6]. The survey found that 72% of those surveyed met the federal definition of chronic homelessness, meaning they've been homeless for at least six months [3].
Mental health issues and addiction are major contributing factors among homeless individuals in Windsor-Essex. Ward 6 Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac emphasized the need for clearer insight into these issues, suggesting that the PiT Count does not provide the whole story [4]. To address this, Gignac proposes new efforts to gather data on the reasons behind people losing housing in Windsor-Essex [5].
Efforts to gather detailed data on this population include the Point in Time Count, a 24-hour survey conducted periodically that documents the number of homeless individuals and explores causes such as addiction, job loss, and domestic violence [1]. Additionally, health data is being collected through physician-led clinic services operating at multiple homeless shelters and housing sites in Windsor. These clinics, funded by Ontario government grants (up to $3.8 million), are coordinated through the Canadian Mental Health Association, enabling healthcare providers to track health conditions including mental illness and substance use disorders among homeless people [3][4].
This integrated healthcare approach has resulted in over 5,000 visits, improved medication adherence, and reduced emergency department visits by addressing health needs on-site. Nearly 200 individuals have been linked to primary care, with progress made in securing housing and improving overall wellness and recovery [3].
Windsor City Council recognizes the critical need for increased support for mental health and addiction treatment and has called for greater funding and policy support from provincial and federal governments to supplement local investments in housing and shelter supports [1]. The council unanimously passed a motion to continue engaging higher levels of government to address this growing crisis comprehensively [1].
References
[1] Windsor Star [2] CBC News [3] Blackburn News [4] CTV News [5] Windsor Star [6] OrgCode Consulting
- In light of the rising homelessness in Windsor-Essex, it's crucial that we focus not only on providing shelter but also on addressing the root causes, such as mental health issues and addiction, to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals experiencing homelessness.
- To further support the health and mental health of homeless individuals in Windsor-Essex, the city council is advocating for increased funding and policy support from both provincial and federal governments, complementing local investments in housing and shelter services.
