Ontario encampments are ‘necessary’ amid lack of shelter spaces, outreach workers say [Video]

Sean Horrell walked into the woods holding a basket filled with hot meals, water bottles, juice boxes and snacks for a group of people living in a small London, Ont., homeless encampment.

When he approached the camp, he was greeted by a brown dog that barked and wagged its tail. As Horrell called out names, four people left their makeshift shelters to grab the lunch he’d brought.

It was a chilly day in late November, with thick clouds and a light drizzle making it feel even colder.

“Do you have any winter clothes?” asked a woman in a black hoodie with “Good Vibes” written on it.

Horrell responded with a smile, “Yes, you have to walk with me.”

Two men and a woman followed as he strolled through muddy leaves to a minivan in a nearby parking lot, where they tried on jackets, boots and socks.

“On days like today, …