Niagara Falls city staffer says homeless problems more complex than in previous years
The Niagara region, and cities within, are doing what they can to keep the homeless warm.
A Niagara Falls city official says simply finding a homeless person a job and home is not that easy.
Chief Administrative Officer Jason Burgess points out many people don't want help, choosing to stay in their current situation.
He adds sometimes they're not allowed in shelters. "What you're seeing today out on the street, are very, more complex issues, especially the fentanyl addiction issue. I don't know the exact word to say but it damages these individuals far more than what you saw from some of the addictions from prior generations."
He says a homeless man refused further medical help in the front foyer of city hall while council was upstairs in session on Tuesday, and left barefoot.
Burgess understands people are fed up, especially after public places are used as a washroom. "Because of different situations, different people will be in poverty at different points in time. You just don't want it to be hardened where it becomes a generational lifestyle."
He adds groups working with the city maintain continuous contact with homeless people, doing what they can to help.
Welland city council just voted unanimously to set up a temporary 8-bed shelter for February and March, costing $35,000.
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