Social services officials are taking a close look at the latest count of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city of Belleville.
The report released earlier this year showed that 189 people were experiencing homelessness, and all were in the situation for at least one year.
Forty percent had experienced homelessness as children or youth.
At a meeting of the Hastings County Community and Human Services Committee on Wednesday Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson said he was really concerned about the number of them in the 40 to 60 age group.
“What do you feel is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing such an escalation in that 40 to 50 and 50 to 65. That’s 19%. I consider that fairly high.”
Director of Community and Human services Suzanne Ritchie Raymond says, “Reports across the province related to homelessness, there aren’t necessarily specific items that are drivers by age. But I can tell you that for some of the folks in the age categories you indicated oftentime there is relationship breakdown that occurs or health-related issues. So mental health, addiction issues, job loss or other types of situations arise that would be unexpected that would hit folks.”
“If they don’t have the necessary support system available or the appropriate level of income, and able to find affordable housing it often leads into a situation where they’re experiencing homelessness.”
Raymond added, “At this time community organizations throughout the county are providing support as well as those in Belleville are looking at both immediate response needs and a team of managers throughout the county will be identifying support needs and service gaps.”
“We are putting a team of case managers on the ground throughout the county who will be doing case management supports to try and ensure that community resource linkages are there, identifying supports and needs and service gaps.”
A report will be given to the committee this fall.
