In late September, Canada's Federal Housing Advocate made a visit to Waterloo Region to hear directly from people working on the ground to address the needs of unhoused residents.

Julian, Don, and Aaron from SDC's Lived Expertise Roster used the opportunity to share their stories, supported others at the 100 Vic encampment to do the same, and later joined a roundtable alongside grassroots groups like Unsheltered Campaign to discuss how the Federal Housing Advocate's Office can support their efforts. Keep reading for our takeaways from the day and *important updates.*

Reflections on the Federal Housing Advocate's Visit

From David Alton, Facilitator of SDC's Lived Expertise Program:

• The Federal Housing Advocate validated the frustrations and violence that both frontline workers and mutual aid groups are experiencing
• Lived experts got to highlight the community-led care projects, such as the sandbag house, harm reduction tent, and networks of care that encampment residents are leading
• The Federal Housing Advocate's role is largely communication, reminding governments of their human rights obligations, while helping the public catch up on the scale of harm
• The Advocate's comments on CBC KW and The Mike Farwell Show reflected what she heard the previous day from lived experts, mutual aid groups, frontline workers, and allied organizations
• Individuals and organizations can report further issues directly to the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate using this submission form

From Regan Brusse at the Unsheltered Campaign:

• www.mymothernamedmesunshine.ca/9222025fao.html

Update - The Advocate's Summary and Recommendations

In early December 2025, the Federal Housing Advocate released a report summarizing her findings from visits to five Southern Ontario municipalities, including Cambridge and Kitchener in the Region of Waterloo. The report breaks down what the Advocate heard, by city, and also makes a series of recommendations to all levels of government to act on their duty to stop preventable deaths, address the root causes of encampments, uphold the human rights of those who are unhoused, and invest in permanent housing options. Read the report. 

Media Coverage

Dec. 8, 2025 (CBC) - To better respond to homeless encampments, municipalities need sustained federal funds: Report

Sept. 24, 2025 (CityNews) - Federal Housing Advocate visits region to see progress on homelessness