One of two public consultation sessions to discuss housing and homelessness in Sarnia-Lambton was held on Wednesday.
The sessions put on by the County of Lambton are to gather feedback from residents as the county is to create its 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
"The number one feedback that we generally get from the public is that they didn't have an opportunity to provide their input. This housing and homelessness plan is the community's housing and homelessness plan. It's going to guide our direction for the next 10 years, and the community needs to have a say," said Housing Services Department Manager Melisa Johnson. "There'll be overall arching goals, and then each goal will be actioned individually through specific approval."
The meeting was held at Pat Stapleton Arena in Sarnia and was a chance for community members to give their feedback on what they want the plan to focus on.
"A lot of individuals are very passionate about housing and homelessness in the community, and rightfully so," said Johnson.
Several community members at the session voiced their concerns, such as focusing on how there are solutions to the issues Sarnia-Lambton is facing when it comes to housing and homelessness. They were also able to voice how they think certain issues should be navigated.
"I hope the takeaway is that there is a solution. It's not an easy fix. It's going to take years to fix the homelessness crisis, as well as the addiction crisis," said Teagan Young, Vice President of Warm Hearts Sarnia. "I agree with the housing first initiative, because once they're housed, you can build on those skills and supports and get them to a point where they are functioning members of society. And I hope with this meeting, that's kind of what people understand and see."
Local business owner Julie Munday also attended the sessions as a way to know what's happening in the area.
"I just like to know what's going on in my community and help, instead of just looking out the window, and not be part of the problem, but part of the solution," said Munday.
OrgCode Consulting Inc. was presenting at the session with information from preliminary data they had gathered. The presenters refused to take questions from Sarnia News Today.
Another virtual session will also be held over Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, March 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents who would like to participate in one of the sessions are asked to sign up online.
