Clinic Urges Government To Address Homelessness

Clinic Urges Government To Address Homelessness

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 14:31

A Saskatoon doctor is re-issuing a call for the provincial, federal and municipal governments to implement an action plan on housing.

Two years ago, Dr. Stephen Helliar held a similar news conference to the one held in a back alley today in Saskatoon’s inner city, raising the issue of homelessness and the need for adequate housing.

Helliar says the alley he was standing in is often home for people during the warmer months.

He says housing is one of the main determinants of health, and a lack of it results in higher instances of chronic diseases.

Helliar says it is very difficult to treat people who don’t have housing, because someone without a home has no place to store their medications.

The Saskatoon Community Clinic, which employs Helliar as a physician, notes that average monthly rents in the city rose by 59% between 2005 and 2009.

It also says while the city’s population increased 5% during that time, rental apartment vacancy decreased by 16% — leaving many of Saskatoon’s lower income citizens unable to find or afford an adequate place to live.