Thank you for inviting the Brome-Missisquoi Community Development Corporation, or CDCBM, a multisectoral coalition of community organizations dedicated to supporting and assisting its 60 members and advocating for their issues, interests and contributions. The CDCBM ensures the active participation of the autonomous community action movement in the socio-economic development of its community from a social justice perspective.
I would like to begin by stating that, for us, there is an inseparable link between homelessness and the housing crisis that is hitting households hard, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The skyrocketing rise in property values, the increase in the cost of building materials, rising rents and, incidentally, the rise in abuse and discrimination of all kinds against the most vulnerable populations have weakened the social fabric and exacerbated the disruptions in the life trajectories of people who were already vulnerable.
Homelessness, however, is not merely a phenomenon of housing scarcity. It is also a phenomenon of social disaffiliation in the lives of individuals within a context marked by rising social inequalities, the deterioration of public services and the general fragility of populations in terms of mental health, among other factors. All of our community organizations are affected, as are the public services with which we collaborate, and they face an increasingly difficult workload.
The core intervention approach advocated by community stakeholders regarding these vulnerable populations is based primarily on harm reduction and a holistic approach. This involves welcoming people as whole individuals, without seeking to penalize their behaviour, by guiding and supporting them toward the right resources and best practices to improve their living conditions.
While the implementation of financial support measures that promote an intervention and support approach is essential for these individuals, the component related to the supportive environment is equally so. Access to housing, free and universal public services, and an affordable basket of goods remain essential foundations for enabling people to live their lives with dignity. It is also important to remember that these individuals are full-fledged members of society with the right to citizenship and freedom of movement. By fostering a stronger sense of belonging to their community, they should have the best opportunities to contribute to and engage with their community.
More specifically, Brome-Missisquoi is, after all, a very rural area. Nevertheless, local stakeholders saw fit to create a round table on homelessness and a round table on housing, among others, in which the CDCBM actively participates. These round tables have achieved several milestones, notably the creation of warming centres, which are now supported by my colleague Mr. Champagne, who oversaw them last season. There are also plans to create a day centre for homeless people.
In the Brome-Missisquoi region, the largest city is Cowansville, with a population of 17,000. Another town, Farnham, has 11,000 residents. Nevertheless, homelessness is becoming increasingly prevalent. Issues related to homelessness are becoming more widespread. In the past, homelessness was more hidden or isolated, but it is now increasingly visible. We see people sleeping in ATM areas or in their cars. There are also encampments and small tents popping up in the underbrush near stores or in parks.
In more urban areas or cities, people can find many more services, whereas in rural areas, the issue of these people's safety is much more of a concern.
I'd say that's pretty much it. I have other things to say, but I'll answer questions later.
Thank you very much.