Homelessness remains a sensitive issue in Fort Frances, just as it is in much of the country. While there are a wide range of professional and personal opinions about the causes and potential solutions, talk is cheap and the problem persists – people continue struggle to meet their own basic needs on a daily basis. With this in mind, Fort Frances Times reporter Laura Balanko-Dickson asked Jennifer Kivimaki, Homeless Outreach Worker at the United Native Friendship Centre, for her perspective as someone on the front lines.
Can you describe the factors that contribute to homelessness in Fort Frances?
A serious lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest reasons people experience homelessness in the region. Many individuals and families can’t find rentals they can afford. The waiting lists for subsidized or geared-to-income housing are years-long. There are also very few supportive housing options that offer both affordable units and access to services like mental health support.
What are the demographics of those most affected by homelessness in the area?
A large majority of those who are experiencing homelessness in the area are Indigenous, and ongoing challenges like the impacts of colonization, systemic barriers, family breakdown and unresolved trauma can make it harder for them to stay housed. These factors often overlap with limited access to supports, creating additional challenges for individuals and families trying to find and keep stable housing.
Can you elaborate on how the price of rental housing influences homelessness?
When people are spending a large portion of their income on rent, there’s very little left for basics like food, utilities, gas or transportation. Many households are already living paycheque to paycheque, so it doesn’t take much – an illness, reduced work hours, a job loss or even a spike in heating or hydro costs –for things to spiral. When that happens, rent can quickly fall behind, putting people at risk of eviction, and in some cases, homelessness. This kind of financial pressure makes it incredibly hard for people to stay housed, especially when there are few affordable options.
What sorts of supports are available for people experiencing homelessness, couch surfing, and so on?
Some of the supports available for people experiencing homelessness in the area include The Homelessness Outreach Program at the United Native Friendship Centre assists, which assists individuals and families in accessing housing, essential services, and community supports. We provide one-on-one advocacy, referrals to other local programs, emergency transportation assistance, and emergency discretionary funding to prevent eviction and/ or disconnection of essential services.
They may access our food bank Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with no appointments necessary. We also run a breakfast outreach program Monday through Friday, to ensure people start their day with a meal. Our outreach service offers compassionate support tailored to each person’s needs, meeting people where they are and providing help when it’s needed most.
The there are also the HOPE Transitional House and Nelson House, the Safe Beds Program and financial programs such as the Homelessness Prevention Program and the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit.
The Salvation Army provides food bank services by appointment and can assist with emergency needs.
To what extent is there room for improvement in the homelessness issue in Fort Frances?
Homelessness often comes with a lot of stigma. Oftentimes, people assume homelessness is the result of personal choices instead of bigger issues like high housing costs, low incomes and limited services. Helping the community better understand the real causes of homelessness can build more support for long-term solutions and make it easier for people to reach out for help without fear of judgment.
