Article content continued

Homeless people are humiliated and displaced, and their belongings are confiscated during sweeps, OCAP said.

“The Parks, Forestry and Recreation department has said it will be dismantling homeless encampments in the Rosedale valley on Jan. 7,” the letter to Tory says. “You must call off these brutal sweeps, starting with the one planned for Jan. 7, and focus city resources on adding sufficient shelter spaces and building publicly owned rent-geared-to-income housing. That’s the only way to make sure no one has to resort to sleeping under bridges and in the ravines of this wealthy city.”

A spokesman for the Shelter and Housing Justice Network, which is organizing a media conference at Lawren Harris Park on Monday to protest the sweeps, could not immediately be reached Friday.

Ross said the city’s outreach staff work around the clock to help those who are homeless connect with resources.

“Shelters and respites are available for anyone in need, including those living outside,” Ross said. “Toronto has doubled its shelter beds in the last four years. People currently living in encampments continue to be offered services, though not everyone has accepted those services.”

Tory’s office released a statement that said these decisions are made by professional city staff who follow established policies.

“This policy was created to protect the health and safety of everyone and keep people safe,” the mayor’s office said. “Outreach workers are in constant contact with these residents and offering support.”

aartuso@postmedia.com