Can the federal plan to end homelessness succeed?

Ending homelessness will take more than new housing, though a Saskatoon shelter operator says the federal government’s ambitious goal is achievable. The federal budget earmarked nearly $30 billion to eliminate homelessness within 10 years. The Salvation Army helps operate one of Saskatoon’s three overnight warm-up centres, which open during the coldest months of the year.

Salvation Army spokesperson Derek Kerr welcomed the government’s clear goal. He told CTV News he believes homelessness can be eliminated, while recognizing that people will still face crises in their lives. Demand at the Salvation Army’s overnight shelter rises each winter, Kerr said. Even during relatively mild temperatures this week, more than 90 guests used the nightly support.

People become unhoused for many reasons, Kerr said. Temporary housing matters, but programs and services are also needed to help people through difficult periods. He said working with government partners can improve conditions for people experiencing homelessness.

Policy experts and municipal representatives who spoke with CTV News also said homelessness can be eliminated, but that new construction alone is insufficient. Marc Lee, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said he likes the plan but believes it may be underfunded for the scale of the challenge. Provincial governments will also need to step up substantially.

The federal plan’s first step is to build more transitional and supportive housing, which Lee said will be the easiest part. The greater challenge is addressing social issues that often contribute to homelessness, including addictions, mental health, income security and poverty.

Lee said getting the response right could bring long-term benefits. Tim Tierney, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, said the federal plan comes when it is most needed. Homelessness has affected every municipality in the country, he said. While some may see the plan as utopian, Tierney said the situation will not improve without action.

Tierney said provincial support is necessary because many wraparound services related to social services, addictions and mental health fall under provincial jurisdiction. The federal government has stepped up, he said, and provinces now need to provide additional support if the issue is to be solved.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced their partnership in the plan on Friday. A news release from the Prime Minister’s Office says the $1-billion partnership will help build more than 2,000 new supportive and transitional homes and a new Winnipeg Centre for Mental Health and Addictions.