Page 64 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 130

Homelessness
myths and questions
February 15, 2023
There are many myths and stereotypes
that people believe about homelessness.
This misinformation is problematic, as it
further contributes to the stigmatization
Newsletter of a population that is already
marginalized. In order to appropriately
tackle the issue of homelessness and
www.Cornwall.ca create a society where individuals feel
www.Cornwall.ca
comfortable accessing supports, these
myths must be deconstructed and
understood to be false by the general
Next steps for former VM Public School public.

1. Myth: People choose to be homeless.
The City of Cornwall has recently Fact: A variety of different factors can
contribute to an individual’s experience
purchased the former Vincent Massey of homelessness. Often, people
Public School located at 1250 Cumberland experience homelessness when all other
Street. options have been exhausted, and/or
Plans are being developed for what this site they are dealing with circumstances that
make it difficult to maintain housing.
— now named Massey Place — will offer.
There are no plans for a homeless shelter 2. Myth: People experiencing
to be located at this site. The site will offer homelessness are lazy. Fact: In order to
community services and housing options, in survive, many people who experience
homelessness are constantly in search
partnership with local non-profits, to for the necessities of life, such as food,
support the most vulnerable in our shelter and a source of income.
community. The former Vincent Massey Public School, Therefore, due to the barriers that they
Following the latest City Council meeting, located at 1250 Cumberland Street. face, many people experiencing
homelessness do not have the option of
the City is excited to embark in the next being stagnant or lazy.
step of community consultation and
engagement regarding opportunities for 3. Myth: All people who experience
the future of Massey Place. homelessness are addicts. Fact: Many
people who experience homelessness
Community consultation will take place Learn more do not struggle with substance abuse
both in person and online, and the City is Cornwall Transit problems or addictions. Just like in the
excited to release the specific details general population, only a percentage of
shortly. Contactless Payment those who are experiencing
homelessness deal with addictions.
People experiencing homelessness may
deal with other issues related to their
We want to hear from YOU! experiences of homelessness, including
trauma and mental illness, for example.

4. Myth: People experiencing
homelessness should just find a job.
Fact: There are already people
experiencing homelessness who are
employed; however, it is much more
difficult to find a job while experiencing
homelessness. A number of different
challenges, such as: lacking a
permanent address, not having regular
access to showers, barriers to
transportation, and other difficulties like
mental illness, make it difficult to obtain
employment.

6. Myth: Property values will go down if
we let homeless shelters into our
Learn more neighbourhoods. Fact: This common
misperception and attitude is referred to
Have your voice heard ahead of the as “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) and
2024 Budget: can have detrimental effects for people
visit www.Cornwall.ca/2024budget who need to access services in different
neighbourhoods.