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More than 1,500 people are waiting for housing in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, where it can take five to ten years to obtain subsidized housing. Many are living temporarily with relatives, in a room, a vehicle or directly on the street. More than 60% of the region’s homeless people are believed to be in Hawkesbury, where community organizations, the OPP and the General Hospital are trying to meet the needs. However, the UCPR says that the lack of provincial and federal funding prevents the creation of a shelter and transitional housing.