For the past five years, I have volunteered at Ark Aid Street Mission in London, Ontario, witnessing firsthand the relentless dedication and profound care the staff pours into our community. I have seen the transformative power of their work, but I have also seen the strain caused by inconsistent support. Recently, Ark Aid lost over $1 million in municipal funding—funding that provided the only seven-day-a-week, open-door emergency support in London outside regular business hours. These services included food, shelter, crisis assessment, stabilization, system navigation, and pathways to housing. As of April 1, 2026, these life-saving services are gone, and our city is not prepared for that loss.

Ark Aid Street Mission and similar organizations in London are lifelines for over 2,000 individuals facing poverty, homelessness, and other crises. This closure has resulted in the immediate loss of over 50 emergency resting spaces, 24/7 assessment and stabilization services, encampment meal supports, weekend access to basic needs, and critical housing and system navigation supports.

It is imperative that the government acts now to change this reality. We call upon the government to offer immediate bridge funding to Ark Aid Street Mission and to establish a coordinated, year-round strategy for emergency support. This strategy should move beyond piecemeal solutions and help set a foundation for a sustainable system of care—one that ensures no one in our community is left behind.

By committing to stable, multi-year funding, the government can empower organizations like Ark Aid Street Mission to operate with certainty, invest in long-term solutions, and expand their capacity to serve vulnerable individuals effectively. This investment in our community's well-being not only provides immediate relief but also strengthens our social fabric and economic health for the future.

We cannot afford to delay any longer. The lives of many depend on the vital services provided by Ark Aid Street Mission. Please join me in urging the government to support our community's most vulnerable by signing this petition. Your signature can help bring the change needed to ensure that dedicated organizations continue to illuminate paths of hope and healing for those facing despair. Sign now to make a difference.

Thank you.