The Mayor of Goderich says the homelessness situation in the town has reached the crisis stage.
John Grace told Huron County council at this week's meeting that in Goderich there are currently up to 11 individuals sleeping outside with no access to a building or facility. And somewhere between 17 and 21 people receiving temporary shelter in a hotel situation.
Grace says the town doesn't have the people or the resources to deal with the problem on their own.
He points out it's a societal issue and one that exists in many towns in the county. But he adds, it has become a crisis in Goderich and has to be addressed immediately.
Grace says mental health and addictions contribute to the problem in many cases and the housing shortage adds to the dilemma.
"Right now, Goderich needs some support from the county. We need some supporting services, we need money, we need people on the ground. We're dealing with mental health and addictions issues for some and we need the resources. It's as simple as that," said Grace.
Grace has asked county officials and county staff to meet with Goderich representatives immediately to try to find solutions.
