Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council began the new year by receiving an update on homelessness in the region by a delegation from Middlesex County.
Joe Winser, Acting Director of Human Services for Middlesex County, went over some of the numbers as well as what’s being done to help people in need of housing.
Council was told the number of homeless in the county has been relatively unchanged from 2024 to 2025, with 68 people being identified as unsheltered in 2024. The average age was 39 with 71 being the age of the oldest person. Winser acknowledged that visible homelessness in the region is often not obvious, such as people living under bridges. But there is hidden homelessness, which includes practices like couch surfing.
Where there has been an increase is in the number of people deemed at risk. That includes people facing food insecurity. “We are seeing an increase in use of food banks,” said Winser. Another problem for people in paying for rent. “When folks used to think living in the County was cheaper, that’s not the case anymore,” said Winser.
“Are we seeing more young people and people in crisis?” was the question posed by Middlesex Centre Deputy Mayor John Brennan. “It is a little harder when you have a family with multiple children,” replied Winser in reference to finding accommodation. But he said there are rooms available for families at facilities.
As far as barriers to finding housing, Winser cited the gap between what people receive from social assistance that’s earmarked for housing, and the actual rental costs, saying a typical monthly amount of less than $400 is “totally unrealistic.”
Looking to the future, Winser cited improvements to social media to enhance communication as well as ongoing cooperation with the city of London to identify needs.
