Housing/Homelessness

London is a city which like many others has major problems with the lack of affordable housing and the growing number of homeless people. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and our London Particular Council need to be an active component of resolving the reasons for this problem. St. Vincents on Huron is our first attempt to address the lack of affordable housing. This 73-unit apartment building will provide both housing and supportive services by SSVP to the tenants. Our goal is to develop an on-going relationship with the tenants which will make St. Vincents on Huron an example of what we as Vincentians, can do. We invite any members interested in joining an Ad Hoc committee which would develop various programs and actions related to the tenants who will live here. Homelessness is a major issue in most cities and the SSVP would like to become more active in addressing homelessness in London. This may include collaborating with other like-minded organizations, educating our members and parishes about homelessness and development of an action plan which would include advocating for systemic changes in homelessness here in London.

Housing Actions:

1. Create an Ad Hoc committee of both SSVP members and others with an interest in the St. Vincent’s on Huron project.
2. To discuss and develop actions that make St. Vincent’s on Huron a place where the tenants are treated with respect, kindness and inclusion.
3. To develop and implement various activities and services that enhance the tenants opportunity to be part of a caring community.

Homelessness Actions:

1. To research and share homelessness related resource material with LPC members and the public in order to educate and gain their support.
2. To collaborate with like-minded organizations to form alliances dedicated to addressing homelessness issues with both short and long-term solutions.
3. To advocate for systemic changes to existing structures at municipal, provincial, and federal levels related to homelessness issues which may effectively improve current services.
4. To develop and implement actions which can result in a higher level of recognition and support for alleviating the causes of homelessness. These actions must be measurable in their results.