The city is improving life for its residence
Sienna Bilancia – The number of people experiencing homelessness in Brantford has grown.
This is according to the point in time survey done in both 2018 and 2021 and the six categories that are surveyed for sleeping locations.
The number of unsheltered individuals was raised from 6 (2018) to 32 (2021), to put things into perspective there were 134 people surveyed in 2018 and 156 in 2021.
“I can finally say we are not homeless anymore and are moving into a place we can call our home. [The City] went above and beyond for not only us but for my fellow homeless friends who are also being taken care of,” Mercedes and Donald, Encampment Outreach Response clients said.
As it is clear that the number of unhoused people in Brantford and Brant County is growing, there are strategies and plans being implemented to help with the crisis.
The SOAR communities’ services a few different types of housing available to the public.
A cornerstone house: this building is home to two separate programs. A shelter program that can help people between the ages of 18-29 temporarily if they are at risk to or are experiencing homelessness. As well as a transitional housing program to support individuals, ages 18 – 29, who are trying to leave the shelter system and are wanting to learn the skills to live independently.
“At SOAR Community Services we are committed to serving our clients in ways that allow individuals to focus on achieving their personal goals,” Danielle Airdrie, Director of Services, Housing, SOAR Community Services said.
For the younger community that is experiencing or at risk to experience homelessness there is a station house for people ages 15 – 17. This house is a support system for both the individual and their families.
“This project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to finding creative and sustainable solutions to expedite the build of more affordable housing in our community. By repurposing existing buildings like this one, we can make more affordable housing units available more quickly and provide individuals and families with the stability they need to thrive,” City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said.
A development in the city’s plan to help the unhoused population of Brantford. “… By providing affordable and appropriate housing options like Lucy Marco Place, individuals can build hope and encouragement to continue to lead meaningful lives,” Danielle Airdrie, Director of Services, Housing, SOAR Community Services said.
The city purchased Lucy Marco Place from the local university, Wilfrid Laurier, in 2023. It has now been repurposed into 41 units of affordable housing. These new units will provide stable and safe housing for those individuals and families who need them most.
“This is the most and best help I have ever received from the City of Brantford. They are truly a blessing to us all and for that, I am so thankful. There are not enough words or ways to say how grateful my boyfriend and I are for the Brantford Outreach Team. I have never thought I would in a million years get the amount of help and care that they showed us,” Mercedes and Donald said.
Photo contributed by: city of Brantford media release
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