Welland, Ontario, Canada and The Homeless Crisis: The Social and Financial Impact in a New Environment

From falling asleep and shopping carts, from playing out passing out in the middle of the road. From panhandling, holding up signs, not showering for days and lumbering around the city. The site of these types of individuals is not only growing, but the types you are seeing are becoming younger and younger. During my time living in the location, I have met several of the different types of homeless people who live here. One of the youngest individuals who I met who was living on the street and also addicted to fentanyl was a 15 year old girl. The majority of people you will notice who are supposedly homeless, or addicted to narcotics, are under the age of 35. Whether or not they are homeless, between homes, or simply hanging outside the fact remains that it has become a huge social concern. There are many different news reports and articles about the subject, but essentially nothing has been done. And when you look at the issue as a whole, what actually can be done? Finding homes for these types of individuals is going to be difficult to impossible. Even if there was a free place for them to stay, how is the resident going to be maintained, and who is going to be able to ensure it is kept clean and safe? 

Dangers

The majority of people who live outside or are suffering from homelessness or drug issues are also susceptible to diseases, violence and other disorders that will go unnoticed. They are also a danger to the public, because in their desperate state the majority of them will resort to theft, panhandling and sometimes even robbery.

Social Assistance

Designed to support and help others move forward, unfortunately what is supposed to be a public support system is being taken advantage of by individuals who are suffering from narcotic abuse and mental illness.

Welland, Ontario Farmers Market

Located at, 70 Young St, Welland, Ontario has become the city's hub for homeless support. The Holy Trinity Church which is located at the same location provides daily breakfast programs, and different meal options for the individuals who choose to take naps in the parking lot during the day. The other time is spent monitoring their behavior by volunteers, and finding more meal options that are based on taxpayers and or donations from others.

Drugs

The main contributor to the growing issue of homelessness are narcotics, and ease of access to highly addictive and extremely powerful drugs. Drugs like crystal meth are extremely affordable, and easy to obtain on the street. It is also in small quantities looked over as nothing more than an issue that needs to be dealt with, if anyone would be arrested concealing any of the drugs. Small amounts of drugs, even that of fentanyl are now considered legal if they are for personal use. The sub legalization of dangerous narcotics is one of the contributing factors to the amount of people living outside.

Resources are The Problem

There are many different resources that are available for drug addicted and or homeless individuals. These resources usually consist of counseling, free clothing, and free food. In some cases shelter may be obtained, but this is only a stop cap and a very expensive measure that does not solve the problem but simply sweeps it under the rug. Instead, the rate of individuals who now understand where to get their free meals can now live for free and not have to worry about starving. There is very little incentive for anyone to stop using our products and find a better life for themselves anymore. This is also contributing to the rise in the housing market, and the lack of employment due to the massive amounts of immigration.