Woodstock woman launches petition to help the homeless

Woodstock resident Tracey Reynolds Sherman has started a petition to raise not only awareness about the plight of the homeless, but also to take action to come up with solutions to find housing options to get them off the streets. (Tracey Reynolds Sherman photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

“I have seen some change, but it’s just not enough.”

That’s how Tracey Reynolds Sherman described the current state of the system in place in Oxford County to support the homeless who often have mental health and addiction issues.

As a result, she has introduced a petition to see more housing and other supports for those in need. The petition will be sent to Warden Marcus Ryan, MPP Ernie Hardeman and MP Arpan Khanna.

Sherman explained her motivation comes from the 20 years she has spent navigating the mental health system in dealing with her son’s struggles, as he is often unhoused. She also recently teamed up with a friend to help a well-known man, Wes, who spends much of his time at the cow at the corner of Dundas and Springbank Streets.

“Wes is evidence that people with brain disabilities are falling through the cracks and he’s out in the cold day after day alone.”

Through community donations, Wes has been temporarily housed in a hotel while longer-term housing options are being explored.

“My friend Melanie Burns helped me get him into a hotel. We started a fundraiser and so far, we have raised $4,200. People have also donated gift cards as well, and some hand warmers, which are much needed right now. I am very thankful for the residents of Woodstock stepping up to fill in the cracks from the failures of our system.”

Sherman explained everybody points a finger at one part of the system, saying it doesn’t work, but that isn’t helping.

“It’s a system. Not one thing alone will solve this. The people in charge need to get together to implement the systems that are proven to work.”

She pointed to several tiny home projects where the homeless have been successfully placed, including a temporary micro-modular shelter site in London designed to house people experiencing homelessness. The site has 60 private units with space to accommodate up to 70 individuals. Each unit includes basic comforts such as electricity, heating and cooling, lighting, and a lockable door. Sherman also alluded to a Toronto development that saves the taxpayer money.

“It’s been proven to be cheaper. It’s reducing the pressure on emergency rooms, it’s reducing pressure on the front line, including paramedics and police, and it’s taking stress off the people living on our streets.”

Sherman said the response to her petition has been very positive and is also available at the Woodstock Farmer’s Market and other locations across the city.

Many homeless people face stigmas, something she is well aware of, but explained those working with them have a very different attitude.

“What would I say to someone who says that some of the people on our streets are just lazy and drug users? That doesn’t align with what front line workers say. Most of the people on the streets have serious mental health illnesses or trauma.”

She added people need to focus on that population and find out what makes living on the street a better option.

“Would you want to live on the street? I know I wouldn’t. What makes it a better option? Maybe they don’t have mental health disabilities, but you have to ask yourself, what was happening in their life if that’s the better option.”

There are over 200 people unhoused in the area, and Sherman said it’s only getting worse.

“Does it really matter why they are there? They need help. No one is choosing this lifestyle. They are in duress, sick and traumatized. Housing them is how we get them to safety. It benefits our businesses, our residents, our front line workers and the taxpayers because it's cheaper if we house them. It helps everybody.”

Anyone interested in signing the petition can visit 463 Dundas St. East, message Tracey on Facebook or email her at tracey@theshermanteam.ca.