Homeless teen. (Photo by © Can Stock Photo / allg)

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Sarnia-Lambton’s MP believes the federal government needs to do more to address the local homeless crisis.

Marilyn Gladu said the community still needs $40-million just to repair existing affordable housing, but the government has done nothing to address the issue.

She said with the lack of funds from the feds, it’s not surprising that there’s a shortage of affordable housing in Sarnia-Lambton.

“They put together a national housing strategy because they recognize there’s not enough affordable housing, and that’s one of the reasons people become homeless,” said Gladu. “But the funds are not flowing, and I’ve heard this from ridings across the country .”

The lack of affordable housing locally is contributing to an influx of people using the Inn of the Good Shepherd’s homeless shelter.

Executive Director Myles Vanni said a lot of homeless people are being forced to find shelter in stairwells, the hospital emergency department, or building entrance ways.

Gladu said the economic times and the affordability of living has really gotten worse for nearly everyone under the Liberals.

“The cost of everything continues to go up and wages have not gone up in comparison,” said Gladu. “People that have small businesses have had additional costs and taxes put on them by the Liberal government, and at some point you have no safety net.”

Currently, the Inn’s facility only houses a maximum of 25 people each night.