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Anne Watson of Inn From the Cold says their numbers are up 50 per cent over this time last year. Early season cold and increased demand for services has pushed her agency to the limit.
Homeless shelter use skyrockets LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com On the night of Dec. 18, Richmond Hill pet store owner Michael Taggart discovered three young homeless men sleeping in the electrical room of his plaza. He let them remain safely for the rest of the bitterly cold night,
returning in the morning to leave them information on homeless resources and offering Tim Hortons gift cards. When the young men, aged about 18 to 21, came to his Tru Pet store to gratefully accept the gift cards, they explained they regularly turn to nearby 360 Kids’ daytime drop in centre, but that the
14 emergency overnight beds are often full. The experience left Taggart shaken. "It’s kind of a surreal experience because you know it’s happening, but you don’t realize it’s happening so close to home, and you kind of turn a blind eye to it," he said, adding the plaza’s land-
lord has since changed the lock for safety reasons. "It was more of a surprise and shock that it was so close to home, and it’s the holidays and the weather was so cold, and I think there could be more done especially in colder weather. I
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Region in affordable housing supply crisis LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com They’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. While York Region antipoverty experts are applauding new provincial legislation aimed at increasing affordable housing, they say more economical housing prices and rents will depend on how enthusiastically municipalities embrace the law. "The devil will be in the
details," Lee Webb, a lawyer specializing in housing issues at Richmond Hill’s Community Legal Clinic of York Region, said. "Overall, the legislation is positive but it will really depend on how municipalities take it up before we can know how positive." The legislation is unlikely to reduce housing prices and rents in York’s hot market but could increase stock and hopefully slow skyrocketing increases, Webb
said. "Right now, York Region is in an affordable housing supply crisis," he said. "I think that’s what the province is trying to do here with this provision, how do we grow the supply of housing so there’s less price pressure on homes. Whether this will bring down the cost of homes, I’m skeptical but it could slow the increase in cost." Last week, the provincial government adopted
the Promoting Affordable Housing Act, which amends four existing acts. The new legislation gives municipalities the option to implement inclusionary zoning, which requires affordable housing to be included in new residential developments. It also makes secondary suites, such as basement apartments and units above garages, less costly to build by exempting them from development charges.
In addition, it encourages more inclusive communities by creating more mixed-income housing and strengthens tenants’ rights by preventing unnecessary evictions from social housing. Webb and Mary Ann Proulx, executive director of the Housing Help Centre, which will close this month when York Region ends its funding, support the provincial legislation. "I think anything that is
going to create more realistic affordable housing is a good idea," Proulx said. But with the average cost of a newly built home in the region closing in on $1 million, Proulx isn’t holding her breath that the region’s affordable housing crisis will be alleviated any time soon. Municipalities already could have implemented measures, such as allowing l See EXPERTS, page 2
’This is the best job I’ve had’ LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com Mike Theriault was only three when his father landed in prison and his mother was taken to a psychiatric hospital. He and his brother, Rene, only a couple years older, were made Crown wards. The youngsters were split up, except for a short time years later when they found themselves in the same foster home, something that continues to haunt Theriault. Now 54, he returns constantly to thoughts of finding Rene. Theriault spent years in institutions and foster homes, where he endured physical and psychological abuse. He is dogged by memories of "the holdings", when staff would grab his arms and legs, force him to the ground and scream at him for any infractions. "The best part of my life, I
BEFORE
AFTER
was institutionalized," he said. "I lost my childhood; I lost my 20s, because I was told I had to be there." Later, the vulnerable man was taken advantage of by employers who wouldn’t pay him and landlords who wouldn’t return his belongings. "I’ve had a challenged life, most of it," he said. "Ninety per cent of my life has been hardship." Fortunately, life has improved dramatically for Theriault in the past eight months, thanks to Inn From the Cold and Newmarket restaurant Ground Burger Bar. After taking a job-readiness program at the Newmarket homeless shelter, Theriault was placed in an eight-week job program as a dishwasher at Ground. Ongoing kindness and support became part of Theriault’s life after owner Grant Buckley agreed to hire him fulltime. The staff members, par-
ticularly executive chef Tim Pettigrew, took Theriault under their wing. He is now learning food preparation. Pettigrew also looks out for him outside of work. In December, he organized buying a bed and bedding for Theriault, who has been sleeping on mattresses on the floor for many years. "They’ve really just given him a chance and accepted him for who he is, and been there for him, not only as an employer, which is really unique to Ground Burger, they have brought him in as part of the family," Inn From the Cold employment co-ordinator Ashley Martin said. "He’s never had a job where he’s been happy. He’s part of the team. He’s part of every function they have. This may be the closest thing to family that he’s ever had." Pettigrew calls Theriault a friend and a great worker. "I think Mike has been
Steve Somerville/Metroland
Mike Theriault (left) does some prep work in the kitchen while Ground Burger Bar executive chef Tim Pettigrew watches. through enough already in his life," Pettigrew said. "I don’t think anyone should have to go through what he went through or continue to live the way he’s living." "I have a very good life. I
was brought up very well. I’ve had a lot of things given to me and afforded to me that most people (don’t). The least I can do is help Mike, just to make sure Mike’s comfortable and
happy." Theriault said he feel like part of the Ground family. "This is the best job I’ve had," he said. "They’re human here."
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