On May 17th Sudbury’s municipal staff released their new Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative guidelines, limiting what the CHPI funding will be available for and reducing the amount of money available for those in exceptional circumstances. Councilor Berthiaume has put forward an emergency motion that the city reinstate the higher amounts ($800 for an individual or $1500 for a family) for those in exceptional circumstances, at least until the city’s review of the issue in July. It is very important that there be very visible, vocal support for this motion as it will help set the stage for any policy reviews.

Please join us on June 11th at 5:00 p.m. for pizza in Memorial Park followed by a walk over to Tom Davies Square so our presence in the council chambers can help remind councilors of the importance of this issue.

You can also assist us in the struggle by contacting your city councilor. All of the councilors phone information is available on the Greater Sudbury website. One possible script is as follows (if your councilor is not Councilor Berthiaume – sample script for talking to him follows). (CHPI is pronounced “chippy”)

Hello _______________,

I’m calling to express my concerns about the new Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative guidelines. People on social assistance used to be eligible for up to $800 every two years with an additional $800 available for exceptional circumstances. Families used to qualify for an additional $1,500 in exceptional circumstances. City staff have drastically reduced the amounts, and now exceptional circumstances are limited to $200 a person or $300 for a family.

Someone fleeing domestic violence should never be told that she has to wait until a 24 month period is up to get more than $300 for setting up a new home.

Councilor Berthiaume has put forward a motion to restore the amounts to what they were originally, at least until a review is done. I’d like it raised back to the higher rates permanently. Will you do everything in your power to see it raised?

Script for calling Mr. Berthiaume:

Hello Mr. Berthiaume,

I’m calling to thank you for putting forward the motion to raise the exceptional circumstance funding for the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative. I hope you’ll continue to push for the higher rates to be implemented beyond the summer, as this fund is a lifesaver for people.

For more information about CHPI please read our latest media release. As always, we would welcome hearing how your phone call with your city councilor goes. f you cannot phone please consider emailing. Or phone your own councilor and email the other councilors and the mayor.

Thank you!