Community Plan 2007-2009 Homelessness Partnering Strategy Framework
Community: Region of Durham Region: Ontario Date sent to Service Canada: October 1, 2007
REVISED August 31, 2007
Table of Contents
COMPONENT ONE: COMMUNITY PROFILE .....................................................................................1 Element 1 – POPULATION, HOUSING AND INCOME DYNAMICS...................................................................................... 1 Element 2 – TRENDS IN HOMELESSNESS AND THE RISK OF HOMELESSNESS .......................................................... 2 Element 3 – COMMUNITY ASSETS ANALYSIS.................................................................................................................... 2
COMPONENT TWO: ISSUES AND PRIORITIES ................................................................................3 Element 4 – ISSUE IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................... 3 Element 5 – COMMUNITY PLAN PRIORITIES...................................................................................................................... 7
COMPONENT THREE: COMMUNITY PLAN OUTCOMES ...............................................................12 Element 6 – OUTCOMES RELATED TO COMMUNITY PRIORITIES................................................................................. 12 Element 7 – HPS GENERIC OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................................... 17
COMPONENT FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...............................................................19 Element 8– IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR THE COMMUNITY PRIORITIES ..................................................... 19
COMPONENT FIVE: DEVELOPING AND COMMUNICATING THE COMMUNITY PLAN ...............25 Element 9 – COMMUNITY PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL PROCESS ............................................................. 25 Element 10 – COMMUNICATING THE COMMUNITY PLAN............................................................................................... 25
COMPONENT SIX: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................26 Element 11 – FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 26 Element 12 – HUMAN RESOURCES................................................................................................................................... 26 Element 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES ................................................................................................................... 26
THE LAST WORD ..............................................................................................................................27
Who should complete this Framework? As is the case with all community planning efforts, the Community Plan cannot be completed by a single individual in isolation. It is the expectation of the Homelessness Partnering Secretariat (HP Secretariat) that completion of this Plan will be led by the Community Advisory Board (CAB), Community Entity (CE), Community Coordinator and/or relevant subcommittees in each of the designated communities through consultation with each community's homelessness stakeholders (as identified by each community). We recognize that some communities may have set aside funds to hire a consultant to complete some or all of the information compilation and interviews with stakeholders. This is not an issue as long as the CAB/CE, Coordinator and/or relevant subcommittees continue to play an active role in the process.
Use of the word “Community” in the Framework As there are two very different delivery models for the HPS, and nuances in delivery within each designated community, we have chosen to use the word "community" throughout this Framework to cover all possible homelessness strategy structures. For the purposes of the Framework, whenever "community" is used, it refers to the homelessness strategy structure in place in your community and, more specifically, the group of individuals or stakeholders, committee or series of committees in your community with lead responsibility for community planning, implementation and decision-making relative to your homelessness strategy.
i
Component One: Community Profile
Component One: Community Profile Element 1 – POPULATION, HOUSING AND INCOME DYNAMICS 1.1 – Demographic and Socio-Economic Trends Demographic • Rapid growth, in particular in lakeshore communities (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington) • Visible minority population is significantly higher in 2006 than in 2001 (6% of total population in 1996,12% of total population in 2001 – figures for 2006 not yet available) • Age groupings remain stable, with only a slight increase in percentage of youth and seniors • In-migration has increased Housing • Percentage of units owned is increasing, while the percentage of rental units is decreasing (about 1000 units in last 5 years) • No new rental housing • Very few rental housing units available for low income single people • 50% of rental units are below standard – inadequate, unsuitable or unaffordable • Monthly shelter costs have increased in last 10 years Income • Household income for owners increased by 30% between 1991 and 2001, but only 18% for renters • Average percentage of household income spent on housing costs for owners is 13.6%, compared to all renters at 16.0% and low income renters at 41.9% • Average rents have increased by 11% between 1991 and 2001 • Although the unemployment rate for Durham fell from 8.1% (1996) to 5.6% (2001), it was back up again in 2006 (6.5%) At the same time, the social assistance caseload increased by 11%. While those remaining in the work force are more likely to be employed, more people are no longer in the work force resulting in a lower employment participation rate. • Recent announcements in the auto-sector threaten manufacturing jobs in a community that relies on the sector for more than 18% of the total employment opportunities
1.2 – Upcoming Demographic and Socio-Economic Trends Please describe how your community expects these dynamics to change over the next 2 years. Are there trends which you foresee will continue or change? • • • • •
Given the growth in new home building and the loss of rental units, it is expected that the availability of affordable rental housing will continue to decline The increase in individuals on social assistance is correlated to the increase in individuals with mental health and/or addictions who are unable to work – many use shelters frequently because of the lack of supportive housing Housing instability for low income households will continue to rise as rents rise, but minimum wage and social assistance rates do not keep pace Lack of stable funding for homelessness programs will continue to hinder efforts to keep individuals housed Employment instability in the auto sector will impact on the fundraising capacity of not-for-profit organizations that rely on payroll donations for program funding
1.3 – Policy and Structural Trends • • • • • •
•
Ajax, Pickering, and Uxbridge are provided with services by the Region of Durham, but are not included in the Oshawa CMA and therefore not funded by the federal government (they are included with the Toronto CMA, but not funded by Toronto either). Social assistance rates have increased by only 5% since 1995 Shelter allowance is not keeping pace with inflation CMHC/RRAP funds are not readily available for Durham Region Lack of incentive to builders to build affordable rental housing units Recently announced addiction and mental health services offered through Lakeridge Health are being cut Regional wide transit system implemented a year ago
1
Component One: Community Profile
Element 2 – TRENDS IN HOMELESSNESS AND THE RISK OF HOMELESSNESS 2.1 – Homelessness Trends a.
Population at risk of homelessness
•
•
59% more people are at risk of becoming homeless because they spend a substantial amount (average of 46% of income) on rent This group tripled in 2006 – close to 70% of individuals and families who are renting pay more than 30% of their income on housing and are at risk of homelessness If the trend continues, there will be 20,500 people at risk by 2009
b.
Hidden homeless population
•
Statistics continue to increase as we find out more about this group With WrapAround Durham services expanding across the Region, this group is becoming more evident Without sufficient core funding, projects are not able to support this group adequately, and it is the most likely group to get missed in programs
•
• •
c.
Living on the street population (also make specific reference to the sub-population chronically living on the street in your community)
• •
A recent (2006) homelessness census showed that very few people actually live on the street in Durham Due to a decrease in Regional funding for homelessness projects, there are no street outreach workers that could link with this population – reports are based on anecdotal evidence provided by the shelters
d.
Short-term or crisis sheltered population (also make specific reference to the episodically sheltered sub-population in your community)
• • •
Occupancy rate at hostels has increased (up 33%), while number of beds has decreased (down 46%) since 2003 More singles served than families (90% in 2006 compared to 40% in 2003) Length of stay is increasing, as is recidivism, due to a shortage of affordable, rental housing for low income singles and lack of support services for individuals with mental health issues and/or addictions
e.
Supportive housed population
• •
There has been only a small change (8% increase) in capacity for supportive housing Core funding for supportive housing programs has not changed in the past 10 years
Element 3 – COMMUNITY ASSETS ANALYSIS 3.1 – Assets • • • • • •
YWCA emergency hostel and the Ark closed resulting in loss of 64 beds for women and children and 23 beds for youth Daily Bread Food Bank is looking at pulling out of Durham Region Not enough operational funding to adequately maintain services There are currently two new projects under development: a 10 bed youth hostel and a 33 bed transitional housing program targeted for single women A youth drop in program and adult multi-service resource centre recently had to relocate as the property was sold and is being renovated into commercial space No indication from any level of government about increased core funding for homelessness programs – unlikely that resourcing will improve in the next 2 years and there is the possibility of further decline
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Component Two: Issues and Priorities Element 4 – ISSUE IDENTIFICATION 4.1 – Issues and related homeless and at-risk populations Issue # 1 a. Please briefly describe the issue: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. Because they are spending more than half of their income on rent, they are frequently forced to choose between food and rent. In the interest of maintaining a tenancy, households choose to cut back on food, which results in health issues.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ ] Hidden homeless [ ] Living on the street [ ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income individuals and families who are spending more than 30% of their income on their housing costs.
Issue # 2 a. Please briefly describe the issue: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. In the case of single people residing in single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings, they are often unable to access services such as laundry and showers, or to prepare their own meals. They must rely on community resources for these needs. With limited public transportation available, the ideal setting is to provide a variety of support services in one location.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ ] Hidden homeless [ ] Living on the street [ ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This group could include all households who are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, but it is mostly individuals who reside in SRO accommodations who require these services most frequently.
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Issue # 3 a. Please briefly describe the issue: The only youth shelter in Durham Region closed in 2003. Since that time, homeless youth have been accommodated in the adult emergency shelters, an inappropriate service at best, or sent out of the Region to hostels in Peterborough or Toronto.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [
] At-risk of homelessness
[ x ] Hidden homeless [ x ] Living on the street [ x ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ x ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ x ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue directly affects youth ages 16-23 from across the Region of Durham.
Issue # 4 a. Please briefly describe the issue: At the current time there are only 15 beds dedicated to transitional housing for women in the Region of Durham. Because of the absence of such programs, women who require supports to reintegrate into the community are often unable to do so independently and become frequent shelter users.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ ] At-risk of homelessness [ ] Hidden homeless [ ] Living on the street [ ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ x ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ x ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income single women who have been homeless and require supports to reintegrate into the community.
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Issue # 5 a. Please briefly describe the issue: Individuals and families that experience frequent housing instability require supports in a variety of different life domains to assist them to maintain their tenancies. If consistent, long term supports can be provided to them where they live, the likelihood of avoiding homelessness is increased. Because formal agency supports are restricted in the length of time they can work with this at risk group, services do not always extend long enough for stability to be achieved.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ ] Hidden homeless [ ] Living on the street [ ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless due to complex support needs.
Issue # 6 a. Please briefly describe the issue: Core operating funding is inadequate for homelessness programs. As a result, there has been a loss of 87 shelter beds and the closing of a multi-service centre and a street health program that support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ x ] Hidden homeless [ x ] Living on the street [ x ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ x ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ x ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Issue # 7 a. Please briefly describe the issue: There is an inadequate supply of affordable rental housing for single people. As a result, many people are forced to reside in rooming houses that are frequently overcrowded, overpriced, and unsafe. These people are unable to maintain these tenancies, either because they cannot afford the rent or because the living situation is untenable. They are frequently homeless and use the emergency shelter system several times per year, for increasing lengths of time as they are unable to secure suitable, affordable permanent housing.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ x ] Hidden homeless [ x ] Living on the street [ x ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ x ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income single individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Issue # 8 a. Please briefly describe the issue: There is an inadequate supply of supportive housing for individuals who are mentally ill and/or have addictions. The number of supportive beds has remained unchanged in the Region due to lack of core operating funds for the support services required to ensure that this vulnerable population maintains their housing. Individuals with mental illness and/or addictions are frequent shelter users and are not able to maintain stable housing.
b. Affected Homeless and at-risk population For this issue, please select the most affected at-risk or homeless population. You may select more than one. [ x ] At-risk of homelessness [ x ] Hidden homeless [ x ] Living on the street [ x ] Chronically living on the street (subpopulation) [ x ] Short-term or crisis sheltered [ ] Episodically sheltered (subpopulation) [ ] Supportive housed [ ] Not Applicable (The issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals.)
c. Population characteristics Please briefly outline the key characteristics of the at-risk or homeless population(s) who are most affected by the issue (as in Table B.2 in the Data Tools). Again, if the issue does not involve direct service provision to homeless and at-risk individuals, write “N/A”. This issue affects all low income single individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless who have a mental illness and/or addictions.
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Element 5 – COMMUNITY PLAN PRIORITIES 5.1 – Community Plan priorities 2007 to 2009 Community Plan Priority # 1 a. Statement of the priority Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. Because they are spending more than half of their income on rent, they are frequently forced to choose between food and rent. In the interest of maintaining a tenancy, households choose to cut back on food, which results in health issues.
b. Focus on the at-risk or homeless population Of the populations identified in b. and c. in Element 4, will your priority focus on all of them? [
] Yes
[ x ] No - Please describe the groups which your priority will address. The population this initiative will focus on are those households that are at risk of becoming homeless.
c. Rationale Households at risk of becoming homeless often choose to pay rent over purchasing food in order to maintain their tenancies. This results in health issues that can impact on employability and threaten households with housing insecurity. Food security programs are well-established in Durham Region and with some capital funding, we can ensure that they continue to provide the supports that at-risk households need.
d. Funding used How will your community priority be funded for the next two years? [ x ] HPS funding (may also include other, leveraged funding sources) [
] No HPS funding
e. Activity area Please select the activity area to which the priority relates by marking an “X” in the appropriate area. [ x ] Continuum of Housing and Supports [ ] Knowledge and Communication (including Data Collection) [ ] Community Development
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Community Plan Priority # 2 a. Statement of the priority Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. In the case of single people residing in single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings, they are often unable to access services such as laundry and showers, or to prepare their own meals. They must rely on community resources for these needs. With limited public transportation available, the ideal setting is to provide a variety of support services in one location.
b. Focus on the at-risk or homeless population Of the populations identified in b. and c. in Element 4, will your priority focus on all of them? [
] Yes
[ x ] No - Please describe the groups which your priority will address. The population this initiative will focus on are those households that are at risk of becoming homeless, in particular low income single people residing in SRO housing.
c. Rationale As we considered what issues to identify as priorities for the next 2 years, it became obvious that many of the issues that were identified in the Moving Forward section of our Community Plan Assessment cannot be addressed through HPS funding. We recognize that we do not have enough SRO housing and that income levels for those on social assistance, disability incomes, and minimum wage jobs are inadequate to address the housing needs of this population. If the community can provide some supports that make it easier for rooming house tenants to be stable in the housing that they can currently afford, it will decrease the risk of single people becoming homeless and relying on the shelter system for its accommodation needs. The Region lost a multi-service centre in 2003 and the remaining services will require support to continue to meet these needs.
d. Funding used How will your community priority be funded for the next two years? [ x ] HPS funding (may also include other, leveraged funding sources) [
] No HPS funding
e. Activity area Please select the activity area to which the priority relates by marking an “X” in the appropriate area. [ x ] Continuum of Housing and Supports [ ] Knowledge and Communication (including Data Collection) [ ] Community Development
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Community Plan Priority # 3 a. Statement of the priority The only youth shelter in Durham Region closed in 2003. Since that time, homeless youth have been accommodated in the adult emergency shelters, an inappropriate service at best, or sent out of the Region to hostels in Peterborough or Toronto.
b. Focus on the at-risk or homeless population Of the populations identified in b. and c. in Element 4, will your priority focus on all of them? [
] Yes
[ x ] No - Please describe the groups which your priority will address. This priority will focus on youth ages 16-23, who are homeless and residing in the Region of Durham.
c. Rationale Please provide the rationale for identifying this issue as a priority for 2007-2009. In the rationale, please refer to the “Moving Forward” section of your CPA, your updated Community Profile and the HPS objectives. Through our recent community consultations, it is apparent that emergency hostel services for youth is a need in the Region of Durham. Our only youth hostel closed over 4 years ago and since then the youth have been accommodated in adult facilities or sent out of the Region to hostels in Peterborough or Toronto. Ideally, it is better to keep the youth in their home communities and provide services that are age appropriate so that there is a better potential for reintegrating the youth into the community.
d. Funding used How will your community priority be funded for the next two years? [ x ] HPS funding (may also include other, leveraged funding sources) [
] No HPS funding
e. Activity area Please select the activity area to which the priority relates by marking an “X” in the appropriate area. Please note that your priority may apply to more than one area: [ x ] Continuum of Housing and Supports [ ] Knowledge and Communication (including Data Collection) [ ] Community Development
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Community Plan Priority # 4 a. Statement of the priority At the current time there are only 15 beds dedicated to transitional housing for women in the Region of Durham. Because of the absence of such programs, women who require supports to reintegrate into the community are often unable to do so independently and become frequent shelter users.
b. Focus on the at-risk or homeless population Of the populations identified in b. and c. in Element 4, will your priority focus on all of them? [ x ] Yes [
] No - Please describe the groups which your priority will address.
c. Rationale As noted in the Moving Forward section of our CPA and reinforced through community consultations this summer, the Region of Durham has an inadequate supply of transitional housing for single women, many of whom are frequent users of the shelter system. In order to stabilize this population, supports will be required to assist these women to gain the life skills necessary to be successful independently. This support would extend over the longer period of time that transitional programs allow and ultimately contribute to successful reintegration into the community.
d. Funding used How will your community priority be funded for the next two years? [ x ] HPS funding (may also include other, leveraged funding sources) [
] No HPS funding
e. Activity area Please select the activity area to which the priority relates by marking an “X” in the appropriate area. [ x ] Continuum of Housing and Supports [ ] Knowledge and Communication (including Data Collection) [ ] Community Development
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Community Plan Priority # 5 a. Statement of the priority Individuals and families that experience frequent housing instability require supports in a variety of different life domains to assist them to maintain their tenancies. If consistent, long term supports can be provided to them where they live, the likelihood of avoiding homelessness is increased. Because formal agency supports are restricted in the length of time they can work with this at risk group, services do not always extend long enough for stability to be achieved.
b. Focus on the at-risk or homeless population Of the populations identified in b. and c. in Element 4, will your priority focus on all of them? [
] Yes
[ x ] No - Please describe the groups which your priority will address. This priority will focus on individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless.
c. Rationale Homelessness projects have reported that, because of the tight rental housing market in Durham and the trend to fewer available units, it is preferable to keep individuals and families housed than to try to find new accommodations once they have been evicted. The difficulty increases with the number of evictions and other challenges faced by the household e.g. low income, disabilities, parenting issues, etc. Housing outreach workers are able to provide some supports to this population, but it is generally short term in nature with only minimal follow-up due to core funding shortfalls. A mix of formal and informal supports would provide better long-term stability for the household. The informal supports could sustain the family between professional interventions and decrease the amount of formal supports that are required.
d. Funding used How will your community priority be funded for the next two years? [ x ] HPS funding (may also include other, leveraged funding sources) [
] No HPS funding
e. Activity area Please select the activity area to which the priority relates by marking an “X” in the appropriate area. [ x ] Continuum of Housing and Supports [ ] Knowledge and Communication (including Data Collection) [ ] Community Development
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes Element 6 – OUTCOMES RELATED TO COMMUNITY PRIORITIES 6.1 – Continuum of Housing and Supports: Priorities and Related Objectives For each of the issues identified as community priorities under the Continuum of Housing and Supports, please identify the objective(s) and the related outcomes your community plans to achieve by 2009.
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 6.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 1 a. Please state the exact wording of the issue identified as a community priority: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. Because they are spending more than half of their income on rent, they are frequently forced to choose between food and rent. In the interest of maintaining a tenancy, households choose to cut back on food, which results in health issues.
b. Statement of Objective Please state the objective your community plans to achieve by 2009: To support programs that provide emergency meals and groceries to households at risk of becoming homeless due to high housing costs
c. Measurement Strategy c.1
Indicator(s)
Please identify the specific measure of the progress your community plans to make toward meeting your objective. Please use the indicators from Annexes C and D in the Reference Guide as well as any additional indicators which your community has identified. Generic indicator: Number of services offered in the community (4.2.4) NHI indicator: Number of services that were maintained because of funding
c.2
Data Sources Please indicate the sources of information that will be used to measure the selected indicator(s). Please refer to Annexes C and D for suggestions for data sources.
Projects will report on the number of units of service provided on a monthly basis.
c.3
Current Situation or Baseline Please indicate: a) the current situation or baseline against which you will measure your progress; and b) the strategy used to determine your baseline if you do not have a current level:
•
Projects that currently receive funding through the Consolidated Homelessness Prevention Program (CHPP) already report on the units of service provided. This will form the baseline for future measures.
•
Results Reporting Form
c.4
Target(s)
Please indicate the specific results you hope to achieve in relation to this objective. Maintain current level of services – several food security programs are at risk of closing due to needed repairs, equipment replacement, and infrastructure requirements. This funding should allow the programs to continue to operate at their current level. Currently, the programs support approximately 600 households per year.
d. Generic Outcomes Please select the generic outcome which is related to this objective: [ ] Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability [ x ] Prevention of homelessness
[ ] Social integration [ ] Improvement in service quality or service capacity
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 6.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 2 a. Please state the exact wording of the issue identified as a community priority: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. In the case of single people residing in single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings, they are often unable to access services such as laundry and showers, or to prepare their own meals. They must rely on community resources for these needs. With limited public transportation available, the ideal setting is to provide a variety of support services in one location.
b. Statement of Objective Please state the objective your community plans to achieve by 2009: To support programs that provide services such as laundry and showers to households at risk of becoming homeless due to inadequate housing
c. Measurement Strategy c.1
Indicator(s)
Please identify the specific measure of the progress your community plans to make toward meeting your objective. Please use the indicators from Annexes C and D in the Reference Guide as well as any additional indicators which your community has identified. Generic indicator: Number of services offered in the community (4.2.4) NHI indicator: Number of services that were maintained because of funding
c.2
Data Sources
Please indicate the sources of information that will be used to measure the selected indicator(s). Please refer to Annexes C and D for suggestions for data sources. Projects will report on the number of units of service provided on a monthly basis.
c.3
Current Situation or Baseline Please indicate: a) the current situation or baseline against which you will measure your progress; and b) the strategy used to determine your baseline if you do not have a current level:
•
Projects that currently receive funding through the Consolidated Homelessness Prevention Program (CHPP) already report on the units of service provided. This will form the baseline for future measures.
•
Results Reporting Form
c.4
Target(s)
Please indicate the specific results you hope to achieve in relation to this objective. Maintain current level of services – as there are a number of programs in danger of closing due to lack of sufficient funding for needed repairs and renovations, the intention is to not lose these programs by providing the required support. Currently, the programs support approximately 600 households per year.
d. Generic Outcomes Please select the generic outcome which is related to this objective: [ ] Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability [ ] Prevention of homelessness
[ ] Social integration [ x ] Improvement in service quality or service capacity
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 6.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 3 a. Please state the exact wording of the issue identified as a community priority: The only youth shelter in Durham Region closed in 2003. Since that time, homeless youth have been accommodated in the adult emergency shelters, an inappropriate service at best, or sent out of the Region to hostels in Peterborough or Toronto.
b. Statement of Objective Please state the objective your community plans to achieve by 2009: To provide funding to support the opening of a youth hostel in Durham Region
c. Measurement Strategy c.1
Indicator(s)
Please identify the specific measure of the progress your community plans to make toward meeting your objective. Please use the indicators from Annexes C and D in the Reference Guide as well as any additional indicators which your community has identified. Generic indicator: Number of individuals who have moved from homelessness toward greater housing stability (1.2.1)
c.2
Data Sources
Please indicate the sources of information that will be used to measure the selected indicator(s). Please refer to Annexes C and D for suggestions for data sources. Projects will report on the number of youth who have moved from homelessness to emergency shelter and from emergency shelter to more stable forms of housing e.g. transitional, supportive, or permanent housing.
c.3
Current Situation or Baseline Please indicate: a) the current situation or baseline against which you will measure your progress; and b) the strategy used to determine your baseline if you do not have a current level:
•
The baseline for this priority will be the data provided by the current emergency hostels who report on the number of individuals who have moved towards greater housing stability as a result of CHPP funding. The data provided is currently divided up by age by the agency and only data related to youth services will be included.
•
Results Reporting Form
c.4
Target(s)
Please indicate the specific results you hope to achieve in relation to this objective. Based on 2006 data for youth using emergency hostel services (number and average length of stay), it is expected that 70 youth will be accessing the 10 bed youth hostel per year. HPI funding will be designated for the purchase of furniture and to augment other sources for required renovations.
d. Generic Outcomes Please select the generic outcome which is related to this objective: [ x ] Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability [ ] Prevention of homelessness
[ ] Social integration [ ] Improvement in service quality or service capacity
14
Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 6.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 4 a. Please state the exact wording of the issue identified as a community priority: At the current time there are only 15 beds dedicated to transitional housing for women in the Region of Durham. Because of the absence of such programs, women who require supports to reintegrate into the community are often unable to do so independently and become frequent shelter users.
b. Statement of Objective Please state the objective your community plans to achieve by 2009: To provide funding to renovate and furnish a transitional housing site
c. Measurement Strategy c.1
Indicator(s)
Please identify the specific measure of the progress your community plans to make toward meeting your objective. Please use the indicators from Annexes C and D in the Reference Guide as well as any additional indicators which your community has identified. Generic indicator: Number of individuals who have moved from homelessness toward greater housing stability (1.2.1)
c.2
Data Sources
Please indicate the sources of information that will be used to measure the selected indicator(s). Please refer to Annexes C and D for suggestions for data sources. Projects will report on the number of women who have moved from transitional housing to permanent housing.
c.3
Current Situation or Baseline Please indicate: a) the current situation or baseline against which you will measure your progress; and b) the strategy used to determine your baseline if you do not have a current level:
•
The baseline for this priority will be drawn from the current transitional housing program as reported for CHPP purposes.
•
Results Reporting Form
c.4
Target(s)
Please indicate the specific results you hope to achieve in relation to this objective. Based on 2006 data for women using transitional housing programs, it is expected that 33 women will be accessing the transitional program per year. The increase in beds will be from 15 to 33 – a net increase of 18 beds. No funding will be allocated to staffing resources, only for furniture and/or renovations.
d. Generic Outcomes Please select the generic outcome which is related to this objective: [ x ] Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability [ ] Prevention of homelessness
[ ] Social integration [ ] Improvement in service quality or service capacity
15
Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6.3.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 5 a. Please state the exact wording of the issue identified as a community priority: Individuals and families that experience frequent housing instability require supports in a variety of different life domains to assist them to maintain their tenancies. If consistent, long term supports can be provided to them where they live, the likelihood of avoiding homelessness is increased. Because formal agency supports are restricted in the length of time they can work with this at risk group, services do not always extend long enough for stability to be achieved.
b. Statement of Objective Please state the objective your community plans to achieve by 2009: To support the training of volunteers to provide informal supports to households at risk
c. Measurement Strategy c.1
Indicator(s)
Please identify the specific measure of the progress your community plans to make toward meeting your objective. Please use the indicators from Annex D in the Reference Guide as well as any additional indicators which your community has identified. Generic indicator: increase the number of services available to the community (4.2.4) NHI indicator: to increase local capacity and resources to address homelessness
c.2
Data Sources Please indicate the sources of information that will be used to measure the selected indicator(s). Please refer to Annex D for suggestions for data sources.
•
The agency will report on the number of volunteers trained in WrapAround facilitation through this funding.
•
Results Reporting Form
c.3
Target(s) if applicable
Please indicate the specific results you hope to achieve in relation to this objective. The agency will train a minimum of 30 volunteers.
16
Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Element 7 – HPS GENERIC OUTCOMES There are four groups of HPS Generic Outcomes: 1) Reduction of homelessness and transition to housing stability 2) Prevention of homelessness 3) Social integration 4) Improvement in service quality or service capacity Please complete the Baseline and Target columns of this table. The targets are for the community-level outcomes your community expects to achieve by 2009. Note that Baseline data is not required for all the outcomes.
Indicators
Current Situation or Baseline
Target
(April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007)
(April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009)
HPS Generic Outcome #1: Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability 1.1
Shelter use
1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3
Number of different people using shelters Average length of stay in shelters Occupancy rate of shelter beds
1.2
Changes in housing status
1.2.1
Transitions in housing status: Number of individuals who have moved from homelessness toward greater housing stability Housing maintenance: Number of individuals (from 1.2.1) who have maintained their housing for a 3month follow-up period after receiving housing placement services
1.2.2
Indicators
1769
2920
35 days 80%
35 days 80%
3736
1992
Current Situation or Baseline
Target
(April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007)
(April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009)
HPS Generic Outcome #2: Prevention of Homelessness 2.1
Housing Retention
2.1.1
Number of individuals who have retained their housing for a 3-month follow-up period after receiving housing loss prevention services
2.2
Housing placement
2.2.1
Transitions in housing status: Number of individuals who have experienced transitions toward greater housing stability as a result of housing placement services prior to discharge into the community from a health facility, the criminal justice system, or the child welfare system. Housing maintenance: Number of individuals (from 2.2.1) who have maintained their housing for a 3month follow-up period after receiving housing placement services
2.2.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
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Component Three: Community Plan Outcomes
Indicators
Current Situation or Baseline
Target
(April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007)
(April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009)
HPS Generic Outcome #3: Social Integration 3.1
Changes in income
3.1.1
Number of individuals whose income improved due to receiving relevant services
3.2
Changes in employment status
3.2.1
Number of individuals whose employment status improved due to receiving relevant services
3.3
Participation in volunteer work
3.3.1
Number of individuals going from non-participation to participation in volunteer work due to receiving relevant services
3.4
Participation in education
3.4.1
Number of individuals whose educational attainment improved due to receiving relevant services
Indicators
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Current Situation or Baseline
Target
(April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007)
(April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009)
HPS Generic Outcome #4: Improvement in service quality or service capacity Number of beds/units 4.1
Service quality/Service Capacity Beds
4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3
Number of beds/units renovated or improved
Number of emergency shelter beds and mats Number of transitional housing beds and units Number of supportive housing beds and units
Units
72
Beds
Units
0
Number of beds/units added
Beds
Units
10
35
N/A
0
0
33
0
88
N/A
0
0
0
0
Number of Services added
4.2.4
Number of services offered in the community
01
1
Given our recent history with loss of services to our homeless and at risk populations, it is very important that we support the remaining services in order to assist them to remain viable. The community cannot afford to lose any more services.
2
The above numbers refer to all homelessness projects and do not separate out those potentially supported by HPS funding.
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Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
Component Four: Implementation Strategies Element 8– IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR THE COMMUNITY PRIORITIES 8.1 – Continuum of Housing and Supports: Priorities and Related Strategies For each objective in the Continuum of Housing and Supports, please identify the strategies that your community will implement in the course of the next two years to achieve the planned outcomes. In this section: 8.1.1 is required for priorities your community will fund under the HPS 8.1.2 is optional for priorities your community will not fund under the HPS, but wishes to include in the Plan.
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 8.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 1 a. Please state the exact wording of the community priority and related objective: •
Priority: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. Because they are spending more than half of their income on rent, they are frequently forced to choose between food and rent. In the interest of maintaining a tenancy, households choose to cut back on food, which results in health issues.
•
Objective: To support programs that provide emergency meals and groceries to households at risk of becoming homeless due to high housing costs
b. Please describe the programs, services or activities your community intends to develop or enhance to meet this objective and achieve the expected outcome. •
Support programs currently providing emergency food programs to the community by assisting with capital or equipment purchases
c. Please identify the sectors in your community that will potentially be involved in the implementation of this strategy,
and the expected relationships among these sectors. To support your work, you may use Worksheet - F in the Data Tools. (Sector refers to: the various levels of government, Aboriginal communities or organizations, homelessness agencies, mainstream agencies, private sector, etc. For types of relationships, please refer to the definitions in Annex A). The Region of Durham will support this service through CHPP funding for ongoing expenses. The agency will be encouraged to make use of volunteers and draw on the faith community for support.
d. Please indicate what proportion of your HPS funding will be allocated to the implementation strategy under this objective. (This information will also be in Table G in the Data Tools.)
Total HPS funding that your community will allocate to total projects: $557,760
Amount and percentage of the HPS funding allocated to this objective will be designated at the time of project approval (small community option)
e. Please identify any other sources of financial or in-kind support that will be invested for this objective: Region of Durham and the Province of Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services (CHPP), the faith community, private donations
19
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 8.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 2 a. Please state the exact wording of the community priority and related objective: •
Priority: Households at risk of becoming homeless do not have adequate income to pay for both their housing costs and their living expenses. In the case of single people residing in single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings, they are often unable to access services such as laundry and showers, or to prepare their own meals. They must rely on community resources for these needs. With limited public transportation available, the ideal setting is to provide a variety of support services in one location.
•
Objective: To support programs that provide services such as laundry and showers to households at risk of becoming homeless due to inadequate housing
b. Please describe the programs, services or activities your community intends to develop or enhance to meet this objective and achieve the expected outcome. •
Low cost laundry services for at risk households
•
Showers and personal care items for homeless individuals
•
Food security programs for at risk households
c. Please identify the sectors in your community that will potentially be involved in the implementation of this strategy, and the expected relationships among these sectors. To support your work, you may use Worksheet - F in the Data Tools. (Sector refers to: the various levels of government, Aboriginal communities or organizations, homelessness agencies, mainstream agencies, private sector, etc. For types of relationships, please refer to the definitions in Annex A). The agency will be encouraged to make use of volunteers and draw on the faith community for support.
d. Please indicate what proportion of your HPS funding will be allocated to the implementation strategy under this objective. (This information will also be in Table G in the Data Tools.)
Total HPS funding that your community will allocate to total projects: $557,760
Amount and percentage of the HPS funding allocated to this objective will be designated at the time of project approval (small community option)
e. Please identify any other sources of financial or in-kind support that will be invested for this objective: The faith community, private donations, volunteers
20
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 8.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority #3 a. Please state the exact wording of the community priority and related objective: •
Priority: The only youth shelter in Durham Region closed in 2003. Since that time, homeless youth have been accommodated in the adult emergency shelters, an inappropriate service at best, or sent out of the Region to hostels in Peterborough or Toronto.
•
Objective: To provide funding to support the opening of a youth hostel in Durham Region
b. Please describe the programs, services or activities your community intends to develop or enhance to meet this objective and achieve the expected outcome. •
Open a 10 bed emergency hostel for youth in Durham Region
•
Liaise with other community agencies and programs to build a network of supports for at risk youth
c. Please identify the sectors in your community that will potentially be involved in the implementation of this strategy,
and the expected relationships among these sectors. To support your work, you may use Worksheet - F in the Data Tools. (Sector refers to: the various levels of government, Aboriginal communities or organizations, homelessness agencies, mainstream agencies, private sector, etc. For types of relationships, please refer to the definitions in Annex A). Per diem funding for ongoing operation of the hostel will be sought from the Region of Durham and the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The agency will be encouraged to make use of volunteers and to seek funding through private and corporate donations and the faith community. The agency will also apply for CMHC funding for renovations required to make the site suitable for use as an emergency hostel for youth.
d. Please indicate what proportion of your HPS funding will be allocated to the implementation strategy under this objective. (This information will also be in Table G in the Data Tools.)
Total HPS funding that your community will allocate to total projects: $557,760
Amount and percentage of the HPS funding allocated to this objective will be designated at the time of project approval (small community option)
e. Please identify any other sources of financial or in-kind support that will be invested for this objective: Region of Durham, Province of Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, faith community, private donations, CMHC
21
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
CONTINUUM OF HOUSING AND SUPPORTS 8.1.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority #4 a. Please state the exact wording of the community priority and related objective: •
Priority: At the current time there are only 15 beds dedicated to transitional housing for women in the Region of Durham. Because of the absence of such programs, women who require supports to reintegrate into the community are often unable to do so independently and become frequent shelter users.
•
Objective: To provide funding to renovate and furnish a previous emergency hostel to become a transitional housing site
b. Please describe the programs, services or activities your community intends to develop or enhance to meet this objective and achieve the expected outcome. •
Creation of 33 transitional housing beds for single women
•
Network with other community agencies to provide supports to reintegrate the women into the community and ensure stability
c. Please identify the sectors in your community that will potentially be involved in the implementation of this strategy,
and the expected relationships among these sectors. To support your work, you may use Worksheet - F in the Data Tools. (Sector refers to: the various levels of government, Aboriginal communities or organizations, homelessness agencies, mainstream agencies, private sector, etc. For types of relationships, please refer to the definitions in Annex A). Program funding will be sought from the Region of Durham and the Provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services through social assistance paid to the residents, as well as through CHPP funding being made available to the agency. The agency will network with other community service providers to develop ongoing supports to the residents that will continue after discharge.
d. Please indicate what proportion of your HPS funding will be allocated to the implementation strategy under this objective. (This information will also be in Table G in the Data Tools.)
Total HPS funding that your community will allocate to total projects: $557,760
Amount and percentage of the HPS funding allocated to this objective will be designated at the time of project approval (small community option)
e. Please identify any other sources of financial or in-kind support that will be invested for this objective: Region of Durham, Province of Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, faith community, private donations
22
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
8.2 – Knowledge and Communication: Priorities and Related Strategies For each objective under Knowledge and Communication, please identify the strategies that your community will implement in the course of the next two years to achieve the planned outcomes. In this section: 8.2.1 is required for priorities your community will fund under the HPS 8.2.2 is optional for priorities your community will not fund under the HPS, but wishes to include in the Plan. The Region of Durham is not participating in any Knowledge and Communication activities during the next 2 years.
23
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
8.3 – Community Development: Priorities and Related Strategies For each objective under Community Development, please identify the strategies that your community will implement in the course of the next two years to achieve the planned outcomes. In this section: 8.3.1 is required for priorities your community will fund under the HPS 8.3.2 is optional for priorities your community will not fund under the HPS, but wishes to include in the Plan.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 8.3.1 – Community Priorities f u n d e d u n d e r t h e H P S Community Priority # 4 a. Please state the exact wording of the community priority and related objective: •
Priority: Individuals and families that experience frequent housing instability require supports in a variety of different life domains to assist them to maintain their tenancies. If consistent, long term supports can be provided to them where they live, the likelihood of avoiding homelessness is increased. Because formal agency supports are restricted in the length of time they can work with this at risk group, services do not always extend long enough for stability to be achieved.
•
Objective: To support the training of volunteers to provide informal supports to households at risk
b. Please describe the programs, services or activities your community intends to develop or enhance to meet this objective and achieve the expected outcome. •
Community groups will be encouraged to work with formal supports to set up networks of trained volunteers that can support at risk households
c. Please identify the sectors in your community that will be potentially involved in the implementation of this strategy
and the expected relationships among these sectors. To support your work, you may use Worksheet – F in the Data Tools. (Sector refers to: the various levels of government, Aboriginal communities or organizations, homelessness agencies, mainstream agencies, private sector, etc. For types of relationships, please refer to the definitions in Annex A). The agency will seek out all available project and ongoing funding available to support the volunteers on a sustainable basis, including CHPP, Trillium, the faith community, and private donations
d. Please indicate what proportion of your HPS funding will be allocated to the implementation strategy under this objective (This information will also be in Table G in the Data Tools.):
Total HPS funding that your community will allocate to total projects:
Amount and percentage of the HPS funding allocated to this objective will be designated at the time of project approval (small community option)
$557,760
e. Please identify any other sources of financial or in-kind support that will be invested for this objective: Trillium grant, faith community, private donations, CHPP
24
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan
Component Five: Developing and Communicating the Community Plan Element 9 – COMMUNITY PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL PROCESS a. Please describe your homelessness initiative’s planning process, describing: • •
who was involved or engaged in the development of the community plan; the organizational structure in place to facilitate the development of the community plan at its various stages (community profile, issue and priority identification, objectives and outcomes, etc.)
The Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness (DACH) was formed at the request of the Health and Social Services Committee at its meeting on November 17, 1998. The purpose of the Advisory Committee was to “research the extent and type of homelessness in each area of the Region” and to “review services that will reduce homelessness and its effects”. DACH currently has a membership of almost 100 individuals representing over 50 agencies, various levels of government, and elected officials. The Committee is supported by staff from the Social Services Department and also has representation from the Region’s Health Department. Committee members meet on a monthly basis to identify strategies that will reduce homelessness across Durham Region. DACH also provides a vehicle for sharing information and best practices between member agencies and for educating the public on homelessness issues. DACH has been responsible for developing and updating the 2001 Community Plan for Homelessness in Durham and advising Service Canada regarding the community’s funding priorities. Since 2001, the Plan has been updated several times in a number of different ways: •
Quarterly service reports from homelessness projects (administered by the Region of Durham and funded jointly by the Region and the Province of Ontario) that identify service use and trends related to the needs of households who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
•
Focus groups to gather input from service users and agencies that are not funded for homelessness projects
•
Written survey of community agencies and services on community needs
•
Community forums on specific topics related to homelessness: youth issues, the needs of low income single people
As input is received, it is incorporated into the Plan and presented to DACH for consideration. All updates are then submitted to Regional Council via the Health and Social Services Committee for their information.
b. Has the community plan been approved? By whom? (community of stakeholders? Community Advisory Board (CAB)? Community Entity?) The Community Plan for Homelessness in Durham was originally approved by Regional Council in 2001. Since that time, updates have been approved by DACH and the information regarding these updates was communicated to Regional Council through information reports.
Element 10 – COMMUNICATING THE COMMUNITY PLAN Please describe your community’s strategy to communicate the homelessness plan and priorities to: a) the homeless and at-risk populations; b) the homelessness agency sectors; c) the mainstream agency sectors; d) the private sector; e) the public and e) elected officials. The Region of Durham’s Community Plan for Homelessness is communicated in the following ways: • Presented to Regional Council via the Health and Social Services Committee • Posted on the Region of Durham web site • Copies provided to local libraries, government offices, and community agencies • Media advisories issued when changes are initiated
25
Component Six: Sustainable Development
Component Six: Sustainable Development Element 11 – FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL RESOURCES a. Please complete Table G, to identify the sources and amounts of matching funds or in-kind contributions secured by your community for the implementation of your homelessness initiative for the next two years. Please attach letters of confirmation. Note that this step is not required for Aboriginal Community Entities. See attached letter from the Region of Durham.
b. Does your community have a funding strategy to increase its financial and non-financial resources for the next two years? What efforts will your community make to increase the number of different sources or amounts? The Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness is currently developing a plan to network with the private sector to engage them in supporting ongoing homelessness projects for local constituents.
Element 12 – HUMAN RESOURCES a. Please describe your community strategies for developing knowledge and skills related to strategic planning, fundraising, public awareness, etc. The Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness reviews the Community Plan on a regular basis to ensure that we are allocating our limited resources as effectively as possible in support of the vulnerable members of our population. Agencies, that offer training, frequently open up their programs to staff from other agencies. As well, the Region offers programs to update community agencies on legislative changes and best practices.
b. Please describe your community strategies to address human resources stability within the homelessness sector to improve the effectiveness of this sector. The greatest threat to human resources stability is the underfunding of homelessness programs and thus their ability to attract and retain qualified staff. DACH continues to lobby all levels of government to increase their investment in the community.
Element 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Please describe your community strategies to address environmental sustainability in capital projects (e.g. incorporating energy efficiency into capital project designs) or operating projects (e.g. recycling and conservation education).
All projects will be required to include environmental sustainability as a component of capital projects.
26
The Last Word
The Last Word The Region of Durham engaged in five community consultations in the development of this Plan. Three consultations were held with community service providers, elected officials, and members of the general public. Two consultations were held with individuals who are or have been homeless or are currently at risk of becoming homeless. In the course of these consultations, several main themes emerged. Some are represented in the priorities that the community has elected to pursue through HPI funding. The remainder are equally if not more important to the continuing provision of services in Durham. The key points are: •
There has been a history of loss of services in Durham. This has been due to the inadequate level of core funding for operating costs that service providers receive. Without sustainable funding, programs have no choice but to close. As noted in Table C.1, we have lost two hostels (youth – 23 beds and women with or without children – 64 beds), a transitional housing program, a drop-in centre serving mostly street and rooming house populations, and a Street Health Clinic. It is vital that we stop this haemorrhaging of programs. Durham Region is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province. Without core funding, we will not be able to keep pace with the needs of our growing population.
•
Many of the households on the wait list for subsidized housing can expect to wait many years before being offered a unit. The situation is especially severe for single individuals on limited incomes, in particular, those who require supportive housing to be successful in maintaining their tenancies. There is both a lack of safe, affordable housing and a lack of support services. Without both capital and operating investments, services will continue to decline. It would be very helpful if all levels of government could work together to produce a combined strategy that will meet these needs. This concern extends beyond funding. The Region of Durham reports on separate sets of data to the Province than to Service Canada. Its geographical area is defined differently for different programs, different Ministries and Departments, and different levels of government. There are conflicting priorities depending on the Ministry or Department that can result in service providers being unable to meet their program requirements. It is our hope that with the HPS strategy, governments will coordinate funding and data collections strategies for more effective homelessness prevention and intervention strategies.
•
Both the unemployment rate and the number of households on social assistance have increased in the past five years. At the same time, rents have increased while the number of units available has decreased. Projects are also reporting an increase in the number of households with mental health or addiction challenges. Added to this, the largest employer in Durham Region (General Motors of Canada) has announced large permanent layoffs for the end of the year. This will have a significant effect across our industrial and manufacturing sector as suppliers and partners downsize to accommodate the decreased need for their products. Besides the impact of increased unemployment, the charitable sector, which is very dependent on corporate contributions, is expecting to have difficulty in meeting their fund raising targets. These factors combine to create a growing number of households who are at risk of being evicted and even greater stress on programs to provide housing loss prevention services, while being underfunded for their operating costs.
27
