CambridgeToday received the following open letter to City Council regarding encampments.
To the members of Cambridge City Council:
Recently, six out of nine Cambridge council members voted in support of a plan that includes forced encampment closure and potential incarceration.
This vote brings with it a profound ethical and moral responsibility: to ensure that these individuals have somewhere to go.
There is one helpful step you can take, at no cost to taxpayers.
Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Fund currently holds contributions from local developers who opted not to include affordable housing in their projects. This fund is expected to grow substantially in the future.
A committee comprised of private citizens, city councillors, and city staff will soon be assessing applications for these funds, for affordable housing projects. The committee will then recommend specific projects to the city council, for your review.
We urge city council now to establish two fundamental, ongoing guidelines for this committee, before they start their work.
First, at least the majority of current and future funds should be allocated to affordable housing projects that include supportive services.
Secondly, give priority to projects that offer the lowest possible occupancy costs, ideally aiming for occupancy costs below $700 per month.
Waterloo Region is fortunate to have over a dozen developers specializing in affordable housing with varying degrees of support services.
By leveraging these relationships, Cambridge can maximize the impact of its Affordable Housing Fund, ensuring that fund grants are allocated to proven, supportive housing solutions that meet the urgent needs of our most vulnerable residents.
Waterloo Region has long demonstrated a commitment to addressing housing challenges through innovative partnerships and diverse housing models.
Our own Mayor Liggett recently stated that Cambridge needs more supportive housing.
The suggested approach not only reflects regional values but also strengthens Cambridge’s commitment to do its part to provide long-term, compassionate housing solutions.
Implementing these two important guidelines will help meet your ethical and moral obligation to assist those being asked to leave encampments by providing somewhere for them to go!
Thank you, we trust that the council can set Cambridge on a course that emphasizes a path to dignity and support for all its residents.
Dan Clements
Citizens for Cambridge
