The City of Toronto plans to spend an extra $2.5 million this year and $4.9 million next year on the Streets to Homes program, assisting the homeless in finding places to live. The increased spending will go towards hiring social workers, and a new help phone line. Most city officials have agreed with the decision for expansion. Local business owners, who say that panhandlers often scare away business and bother customers, also favour the plan.

Opposition councillors argue that Toronto has many other problem areas that should take precedent over homelessness. While Toronto has an array of issues that all need financial fixes, consider the severity of this issue. How many pedestrians actually give a second thought to the panhandler at the corner of Bloor and Spadina? Those concerned often feel incapable of making a difference, reassured that panhandlers spend the money they receive on drugs or alcohol.

Not true! The vast majority of panhandlers —91 per cent—use the money they manage to collect for food. Three-quarters of those begging for spare change are also homeless and struggling to survive.

Homeless individuals who pose a risk to the general public are the exception. Those with mental health problems or addictions need more government attention. If they were not on the streets, they would be receiving the health care and support they require. Because they are homeless, they are ignored.

The city’s first approach to panhandling was to “get tough” and use the police force as a way to “clean up the streets.” However, ticketing the homeless was hardly effective. After all, someone who is trying to survive can hardly be expected to care about a slap on the wrist.

Toronto’s panhandling epidemic cannot be solved by treating the homeless like criminals simply because they bother us. Citizens need to examine what can be done to im-prove their quality of life. Law enforcement is not the answer. This is a social problem that requires a social solution. Spending more money to create a strengthened support network is an excellent first step in the right direction.