Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

Equitable access to political processes

Given the demographics of the Hamilton community, it should be obvious that not everyone has access to computers, cameras, and microphones to be able to participate in information gathering projects such as town halls, city council meetings, etc. Not everyone can spend hours on buses to attend in person, particularly single parents who are responsible for the care of their children. This means that the voices of those who are most vulnerable to crime and the effects of policy planning are not heard. This results in policies and services that don't adequately meet the needs of a large population of Hamilton. An equitable process should include methods of data collection that are accessible to our most marginalized communities. Safety means concerns are heard and addressed. Our least safe communities are not heard and therefore not safe.

More money to social services less to police

A community where all feel safe-including marginalized and racialized groups where there is no tolerance for hateful/racist behaviour.

A safe community is where there is a police presence when needed, not only in violent times.

It would be nice to see them interacting with individuals on a positive note. Seeing them around the schools, having the children know the police in their area.

A safe community includes economic safety for marginalized and at-risk people and works to create affordable housing options.

The safety of a community has to include options for people experiencing homelessness, substance addiction, navigating disability, or any of life's other disrupting factors that can compound and put people in dangerous or precarious situations.

Punishment for the Crime

Stricter measures to be put in place for all people in government, city, or community leadership as to what is a hate crime and what will happen if one is committed with fast and strict measures if one is committed.

Ensure a diverse government

Our government should accurately reflect those in the community to be able to speak to inequities and hate incidents of specific groups.

hate needs to be taken seriously in all forms. mandatory equity and anti-oppression training for all city employees (especially police)

The City of Hamilton should not be engaging in restricting freedom of speech. The City should fix our roads not waste money on this program

Stick to municipal issues and stay out of the censorship business

Sign up for "Listen, Learn, Act: An Anti-Hate Community Summit" taking place May 19th and 20th sponsored by No Hate in the Hammer.

Awareness and Resources

Better resources made available to prevent all type of violent incidences from ones including police to ones that are out of the ordinary and need more assistance. Better awareness as well to such incidences when they take place so that others that may have been affected in the community feel safe around the area still.

Abolish prisons and increase social supports and rehabilitation

Better and free access to mental health services. Put people in jail longer when they’ve committed crimes of violence.

Courts support Police! Seems so many problems are from repeat offenders or those out on Probation! The HPS must feel that their hands tied!

Stricter Courts?? Answer isn't easy!

I was extremely upset, to put it mildly, when a week ago a Resident Dr. @ a Hamilton Hospital said that he was afraid to bring his young family to live with him in Hamilton due to the high crime rate in Hamilton! He hasn't been with them since June/20, how extremely sad is that! He thought that they were safer in USA!!! I was so shocked & that was such an emotionally upsetting thing to hear! I mentioned some areas that appear to be safer ie. Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Ancaster, Hamilton Mtn. etc.! The Hamilton I grew up in used to be such a safe place!! I don't know the solution really wish that I did!

Non-Profit Organization known for their dedication, passion, and devotion to our community!

Grenfell Ministries, for the last 3 Year's, has strived, and pushed forward through many obstacles, and challenges, when it comes to our community and our city. From Mental Health, Trauma, Homelessness, Transitioning back into a 'normal' routine/life style, Addictions, and helping those once incarcerated, by transitioning them into a healthier, better living life, and to show eagerness, and a will to strive to do good! Peer-Support workers at Grenfell Ministries, are a dire need, when it comes to Addiction, mental health and even trauma! We at Grenfell Ministries, have numerous relatable lived experiences, where Support is a HUGE factor when it comes to everyone's attention, and just how important, and crucial, having any kind of positive, 'you can do it', Support really is. Having a Support program in our community, that is accessible to anyone, of all ages? A peer support worker who is available 24-7, and be able to ensure growth, and have that feeling of reassurance, trust, and just knowing someone cares, understands, and helps show you a better meaning, understanding, and comfortability, goes a LONG way. Grenfell Ministries, has saved lives, brought communities together, they've inspired so many other individuals, as well helped them along the way to their goals, achievements, and decisions. Where we couldn't be more proud, or feel more good inside, seeing our program participants, reach their life goals, and make their decisions, the right ones, for their future ahead. #STIGMASUCKS #GRENFELLMINISTRIESISHEREFORYOU

Not penalize people on a sudden decision to hurt themselves & realize they weren't going to but the Police take away license for 3 months!

Need better Mental Health support Not Punishment!

A more robust program to address mental health crises

The police force is constantly being sent in to deal aggressively and violently with mental health issues. They are not properly trained and do not know how to de escalate these scenarios. We need multiple teams of mental health experts that can be sent in to de escalate and provide specialized care to our community members with mental health challenges.

Supportive housing

Continue increasing resources made available for the development of new supportive housing every year. Dramatically increase resources available to CityHousing Hamilton to ensure all units are of good quality so tenants feel dignified not stigmatized.

Indoor winter walking wellness- Covid safe

Create a partnership with Cadillac Fairview to open the malls Limeridge and Eastgate for indoor walking safety for seniors and infirm and physically challenged persons. They would need floor cleaners salary subsidized. One way path and 8 foot spacing meet PH standards. Perhaps the businesses will want to advertise on their windows and appreciate the exposure. City of Hamilton Wellness programs and Rec can operate the walking program. Winter cold and unsafe icy paths make exercise difficult for those with accessibility issues and chronic disease. It would also provide an excellent central local to share info for vaccine, and covid tracing.

Build designated encampment areas that provide for basic hygiene and safety needs

Outdoor handwashing stations, outhouses, feminine hygiene products, small personal shelters (cabins?), even shower and laundry facilities. Making it possible to keep dignity (hygiene, security) in tact while a person is suffering homelessness/ addiction will make it easier for people to bridge the gap back into 'society' when they are ready.

make it mandatory for developers to have to include a percentage of apartments or condos to be affordable to lower income

build affordable & supportive housing ASAP - change bylaws to permit modular housing

Make it possible to live without a car

Owning a car carries costs to the city, and individual. Make it possible to live without one by investing in transit and active transportation and eliminate minimum parking requirements for multi-tenant housing.

Those with lived experience, should come together and open our governments eyes on how serious this pandemic is becoming.

This is a serious matter at hand, that's only becoming worse, without the proper support and backbone, Hamiltonians who are in crisis NEED.

Accessibility

Jobs are in Hamilton and there are a lot of jobs that are to be had however people's way of getting there may not be so good. if there was better access to public transportation and/or other ways to get to places in the city, more jobs may be had creating more stimulating in the Hamilton economy and more money for everyone.

Advocate to the Province for increased ODSP rates

Our social contract essentially dictates that people who want money must work for it. Exceptions are made for those whose doctors affirm their disability is a barrier to work. In those cases, we support them with monthly ODSP payments, but they amount to less than 2/3 the poverty line. That is an injustice. Increasing ODSP rates to the poverty line would increase the provincial budget by around $2b annually but that's a challenge we must embrace. Advocate for new tax brackets at the top level of incomes if necessary.

Sidewalks to Be Plowed

It is time for sidewalks to be plowed. The elderly especially need access for than most. This issue has been batted around on council forever. Despite that Ancaster residents pay for sidewalk clearing, this option should also be available to other areas. It is especially important that sidewalk routes to schools be cleared. It is time to act on this, it is a access and a safety issue for all.

Connect individuals to valuable resources - "You don't know what you don't know”

Income - regular work, part-time work, gig work, EI, social services, etc - how do we help get access to the right supports when that income is gone? It is often difficult to access financial supports when a job is lost, benefits end, families separate, or illness occurs. Just telling someone to apply for EI, OSAP, job retraining, ODSP or Ontario Works isn’t always enough. Not everyone qualifies, and sometimes we need to do more than just point, or tell someone to look at an unclear website, but instead EXPLAIN why and how. Some individuals or families are just past the cut-off threshold for support yet are struggling to pay for their home, food or transportation. Then what? What happens when individuals are unsure of WHAT questions to ask or WHO to ask to get access to a resource or service. Anyone can fall through the cracks because someone tells them NO and they don't know where to go next. This applies to youth and adults of all ages; educated or not, experienced or not - if someone tells you No, how many people just stop in their tracks? Then add in barriers. If individuals do not have family or community supports, do not feel safe, struggle with physical or mental health challenges, feel marginalized or racialized, will they push forward or feel that no one will listen? Why make individuals work so hard just to get the information they need? Most would help a friend learn about resources when they ask, so why not help our community? Create a "Resource Person" role within our city to help guide all individuals to the services they need. Make the role accessible virtually, over the phone or in person. This is not a social services worker or reception role, but a person who can actively assist individuals to learn how to access resources or services. We also need to consider how much work or how many "clicks" it takes to access a resource, and if it is accessible or clear to everyone. By providing a clearer path we can help individuals get to where they WANT to be, not where they end up.

Support for a Universal Basic Income and equitable access to post secondary education

Access to adequate income is a symptom of a much larger systemic problem. The City needs to actively join the voices of social services and citizens calling for the Provincial and Federal Government to step up and provide a universal basic income. Families works several jobs and still can't make ends meet. "Pulling up the boot straps" and working more is not a solution to earning more. Whether an individual is supported by Ontario Works or multiple jobs, they do not have the supports they need to meet their needs. OW perpetuates a cycle that is nearly impossible to get out of permanently. The City must champion our low-socioeconomic status citizens to our provincial and federal government for a Universal Basic Income. The Federal Government determined that people need a minimum of $2000 per month to pay basic expenses. This still falls short considering the cost of rent and food in our city. It is impossible in this forum to go into all of the nuances of how the current social support system is oppressive and prohibits people from getting out but here are a few points; - Being forced to take out enormous loans to attend post secondary school is prohibitive. The cost of school is not the only barrier facing those who cannot afford tuition. Equitable solutions that ensure people have a safe place to live, reliable transportation to campus, food, and mental health supports is just the beginning. However the income gap between those who have post secondary and those who do not is enormous and telling. - When leaving the OW system for employment, people are forced to take jobs that do not provide medical benefits, sick time, or vacation. These "privileges" are necessary for success for those suffering from mental health and addiction. Eventually, low income jobs cause loss of home, lack of adequate food to keep working, and stopping expensive medications that manage mental health conditions. They are also exploited by employers who threaten to fire them if they take sick time due to mental health. - The traveling necessary to find and maintain work in the city is prohibitive. Spending hours on buses to get to interviews or to get to work shifts on time is expensive and leaves no time for the other supports necessary to their wellbeing such as counselling appointments, methadone clinics, A.A. meetings, psychiatrist appointments, doctors appointments, etc. -Accessing subsidised or affordable child care is nearly impossible and often results in traveling an hour in one direction to drop a child off, then travelling an hour in another direction to get to work. Then parents feel stressed about getting to pick up their child on time and punished when they can't because of transit. - Those who have multiple jobs spend time traveling between jobs, balancing the demands of multiple exploitive bosses, and experience significant health issues resulting from long term stress and neglect of health/mental health. People generally want to work and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Ensuring they can work and earn enough to support themselves, increases their capacity to contribute and reduces their reliance on emergency rooms, social services, etc. Again, the research is there. We just choose to ignore it. Canada is not the only country that studied this project.