One homeless death is too many

Re Advocates urge city to do more for shelter crisis, Dec. 26 When one person dies on the streets, it is clear our social safety net needs addressing. When 70-plus die annually, it is clear that indifference rules the decision-making process and that the empathy needed to solve these issues is not up to par on city council.

We know that ever since the city started counting homeless deaths, an average of two people per week have died on the streets. The complete and utter failure to prevent these deaths comes at the cost of their lives and the devaluing of our humanity.

How long do we have to count before we establish a number to provide for? How many years will it take for our councillors to realize that to prevent all homeless deaths, they must act now?

The $10-million, 400-bed pittance that has been proffered can be likened to putting a band-aid on a laceration that requires 1,000 stitches. We need affordable housing, more permanent shelter beds, full funding for poverty-reduction programs, food nutrition programs and an elected advocate who will hold council accountable to the most vulnerable in our city. If we re-elect the same councillors time and time again, then the homeless will pay the price as we continue to disproportionately invest in subways, parks and private infrastructure. Troy J. Young, Toronto