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City Council Approves Plan to Enhance Shelter Safety Action for Refugees & Asylum Seekers
On December 18th, 2024, Toronto City Council approved the Shelter Safety Action Plan, a three-year initiative aimed at improving safety and services in city shelters, particularly for asylum seekers and refugees. The plan includes increased funding for community organizations providing temporary shelterand expanded housing options tailored for refugees.
Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative
The plan includes 14 actions based on a CAMH study, addressing issues like violence and harassment bytackling underlying causes and enhancing support for staff and clients.
Amendments to existing contracts were also approved to enhance lodging and community safetyservices, ensuring better support for asylum seekers. The council's decision reflects its commitment toproviding equitable access to shelter services, regardless of immigration status.
The motion to adopt the Shelter Safety Action Plan was moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair ofthe Economic and Community Development Committee. During the discussion, city councillors posedquestions to Gord Tanner, General Manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, seeking clarity onthe plan's implementation and impact.
Despite these advancements, a coalition of Black-led groups criticized the city's response to systemicinequities in shelter access, expressing disappointment and condemning the city manager's response toOmbudsman Toronto’s report and the council's failure to adopt its recommendations.
Ultimately, 23 councillors voted in favor of the motion, marking a significant step towards enhancingsupport and safety for asylum seekers and refugees in Toronto's shelter system
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