A special series called The Hometown Edition is currently airing on CBC Radio’s As It Happens from Nov. 3-7, shedding light on the challenges and successes of small towns in Canada. In St. Thomas, Ontario, Sara Pepper recalls the lack of support for individuals experiencing homelessness in the past. However, with the town’s proactive approach to combat chronic homelessness, Pepper now has stable housing and hopes for a brighter future.
St. Thomas, a city in southwestern Ontario with a population of approximately 46,000, faced economic setbacks following the closure of the local Ford plant in 2011. The town, like many others in Canada, grappled with housing shortages, an opioid crisis, and a surge in homelessness. Mayor Joe Preston, once troubled by these issues, now sees a promising future with the upcoming Volkswagen electric battery plant and the success of the anti-homelessness initiative.
Over the past five years, St. Thomas has been diligently working on a strategy, aligned with the Built For Zero program, to transition individuals from the streets to stable housing with necessary support services. The city’s collaboration with various stakeholders has led to a significant 30% reduction in chronic homelessness, with sufficient shelter spaces available this winter for the remaining unhoused population.
Pepper’s personal journey reflects the positive impact of supportive housing, as she now resides in The Station, a subsidized housing complex operated by Indwell. The availability of stable housing and essential services has been transformative for Pepper, enabling her to plan for the future and focus on rebuilding her life.
Despite the progress made, Pepper emphasizes the need for more peer-led programs and services, urging for greater involvement of individuals with lived experience in addressing homelessness. Indwell’s ongoing efforts, such as the transformation of Balaclava Public School into supportive housing units, offer hope for a future where chronic homelessness can be effectively tackled in St. Thomas.
