To the editor:
The discussion around expanding municipal services for homelessness is critical, but we need to be mindful of what other communities have learned through similar efforts. When a municipality commits to funding expansive homelessness services, it often comes with unintended consequences if those services attract individuals from outside the region, a phenomenon known as the "magnet effect."
We have seen how this magnet effect has played out elsewhere. In 2015, Portland, Ore., declared no one would be turned away from its shelters. This well-meaning approach led to an influx of homeless individuals from all over the country, ultimately overburdening Portland's capacity to provide adequate care. Within two years, it became clear that the city could not fulfill its promise, underscoring that local approaches, no matter how compassionate, need to align with regional and national strategies.
Similarly, Denmark provides a compelling example of how changes in welfare policies impact migration. In 2002, Denmark lowered welfare benefits for non-EU immigrants by about 50 per cent, while leaving benefits for natives and EU immigrants unchanged. This policy led to a significant reduction in the net flow of migrants, with approximately 5,000 fewer individuals per year. When these benefits were later restored, the influx of migrants returned to previous levels. This cause-and-effect relationship clearly demonstrates how welfare generosity can create pull factors that drive migration, which is crucial for our community to consider as we design our policies.
As we decide how best to expand our services, it is crucial that we focus on serving our regional homeless population without unintentionally drawing in an unsustainable number of individuals from outside the area. Learning from other communities, both their successes and their challenges, can help us create policies that are compassionate yet practical, ensuring that our city’s resources are used effectively and sustainably.
Andre Gagne,
Thunder Bay
