Hello to the friendly city of Woodstock, Oxford County and everyone who welcomes the fact we including the homeless deserve to live in a better world.
Lately I have noticed a huge increase in the homeless population on the streets of Woodstock Ontario.

Homelessness is on the rise and we need to take a stand! Over the last year during this GLOBAL PANDEMIC I myself any many others have noticed a huge increase in homelessness. This is incredibly concerning for the future of our beautiful friendly city of Woodstock. Over the last few months especially I have seen some especially shocking and concerning things!

I have noticed a huge increase of drug addiction within the streets of our beautiful community. It has got to the point where children are seeing homeless individuals shooting up, deficating, sleeping in doorways and sadly urinating in our town square fountain. Unfortunately the list goes on and it's very concerning.

Even theft is on the rise! Unfortunately this stems from a lack of support. Support includes, low income rentals, programs for the homeless, support groups, safe injection sites and the proper mental health programs needed.

The problem here isn't homelessness. It's our city councils ability to acknowledge and deal with this issue. My heart goes out to every single person living on the streets. You truly never know what a person is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes.

A little about myself. My name is Emily McCullough and I was born and raised in Woodstock. I am sadded to write this petition but things need to change and we must TAKE A STAND. I ask that you please take the time to sign and share this petition as the future of our friendly city and the once prosperous lives of these homeless individuals are at risk.

So with this said we are calling on the city council and our mayor Trevor Birtch to change, rectify and remedy thus situation. We must do better! Thank you all in advance.