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| Jaye Robinson |
Local rep Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West) is inviting public-spirited citizens to participate in a one-evening project which counts the numbers of homeless/vulnerable people in the city. It’s a kind of census of those in need. This is a very sensible idea and as Ms. Robinson points out, some 700 volunteers will help Toronto make useful decisions for the welfare of those who need help. It’s a far cry from a dark past of correctness at city hall when some members opposed the idea saying it was somehow too stigmatizing of the homeless to conduct such a census. Totally hapless. As Ms Robinson says: “This is an opportunity for Torontonians to help some of our most vulnerable residents. Without hard data on what services people find useful in finding and keeping housing, we cannot be sure that we are making the right investments to help the city’s homeless. Those who volunteer for the Street Needs Assessment are stepping forward to help achieve our long-term goal of ending homelessness, one person at a time.” Ms.Robinson is Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee. City residents 18 years of age or older on April 17 are invited to sign up online at http://www.toronto.ca/housing or by calling 311. No previous experience is needed and there are opportunities to volunteer throughout the city
