Food insecurity and homelessness are not just temporary issues - they are growing problems that require the serious attention and immediate action of our city authorities.  According to recent reports, over 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year – and food insecurity affects almost 1 in 3 households in Kingston.  Our current trajectory shows an urgent need for intervention by Kingston City Council.

There are an estimated 100 -140 people living in tents and under tarps in Belle Park and surrounding area this winter with no running water, no toilet facilities, no electricity and unsatisfactory garbage collection. We essentially have what resembles a refugee camp in the middle of our city with no financial support from local government.

 Kingston volunteers at two grassroots organizations have been working to try and help meet this vulnerable population’s most basic of needs – Feed the People (FTP) and Threads of Hope Kingston. FTP volunteers provide a hot lunch every day – 7 days a week – in all weather outside under a tent. Threads of Hope Kingston works to ensure everyone in this community has access to as much warm clothing as they can source through donations and also works to provide community members in need with tents, tarps, solar blankets, etc. Both organizations are completely volunteer-driven and funded solely by the volunteers themselves, other private citizens, some local business. 

In a recent FTP survey with 34 out of an estimated 60 volunteers responding, in 2025, FTP volunteers have donated the equivalent of $327,681 of in-kind labour for preparing and serving one meal a day at Belle Park to this community – which is the equivalent of 9 full time, minimum wage jobs. And this amount does not include the cost of the food and supplies. 

 Important facts about the homeless crisis in Kingston:

     *   There are 583 homeless registered on the City of Kingston’s "by-names” list currently – which is a list of people who are considered citizens of Kingston but have no fixed address. There is also an estimated 400 more people who are not registered on this list.

• As of April 30, Kingston will  have approximately 60 shelter  spaces available for an estimated 983 who are experiencing homelessness in our community, 

Important facts about financial support available to citizens in Kingston:

• A single housed person on Ontario Works could receive $733/month for basic needs and shelter – with no increases for the last 7 years.  An unhoused person receives $366/month.

• A person on the Ontario Disability Support Programs can receive up to $1406/month.
• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kingston of 623 square feet is $1729 per month.

So, where are these people to go? They are the elderly, unemployed, workplace injured, physically ill, amputees, severely mentally ill, and DSVM identified substance users. These are very vulnerable citizens of our city.

Help us let Mayor Paterson and City Council know that there are many Kingston citizens who are concerned about finding a long- term solution to the housing crisis in our city – and we demand immediate action from them to support the work of volunteer organizations and work towards stable housing for all! 

All you need to do is sign this petition.  And please share it to get the word out to raise awareness.  After 250 signatures, this petition will automatically be sent to the mayor and all Kingston city councillors on the list below.