Residency requirement a fair approach to housing

The Chamber supports a motion by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps for residency requirements to prioritize placement in supported housing. The 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, released this week by the Community Social Planning Council, provides a snapshot of the number of people living outdoors or in shelters on a given night.
 
Volunteers and staff combed the region on March 11 and reported at least 1,523 people experiencing homelessness. The survey showed that 84% of people had been living in Greater Victoria for more than a year. A further 4% weren't able to answer or chose not to answer.
 
Our region has struggled for years to help people transition to more permanent housing. We do not have the capacity to become a destination for people from across the country who would be better served by accessing services in their communities.