Ryan Pettipiere, Director of Housing Services, provided a presentation on the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness Update related to funding strategies and the engagement plan. A copy of the presentation is attached to the agenda. He explained that following Regional Council endorsement of the Plan there has been a $10.2 million investment and that continued investment is necessary to meet the objectives of the Plan. He also noted that there will be continued collaboration with community partners and advocacy to upper levels of government for support.
In response to the Committee, R. Pettipiere explained that community outreach through a social media campaign is important to educate the community on issues related to homelessness. He further explained that there are approximately 600 shelter beds and how it is vital to shift resources from emergency responses to affordable housing.
Responding to the Committee, R. Pettipiere confirmed that the next point in time count will be captured on October 22, 2024. P. Sweeney further confirmed that Staff are concerned about the decision by the provincial government to close consumption and treatment sites, however, Staff will continue with the prioritizations in the plan to end chronic homelessness which include mental health and addiction supports.
Staff clarified that the cost items listed in Appendix A of the report, related to 'Community Voices and Partnership', is for Staffing, consultant, and operational costs to allow those organizations to continue and further details will be provided during the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee process.
In response to the Committee, P. Sweeney explained that the Plan approach is to assist with acute situations that are currently experiencing homelessness while simultaneously building affordable and supportive housing. He further explained that the 'All of Community Leadership Table' is planned to be established in 2025. R. Pettipiere clarified that budget discussions will dictate new construction projects related to the Plan. He confirmed that there is an increase in senior resident population in emergency shelters and that the co-creator group has senior representation.
P. Sweeney confirmed that Staff will re-circulate the Key Findings report from 2023 which sets out various data collected including the need for a 'dry shelter'. R. Pettipiere agreed that the Region of Waterloo is known for providing community services, however, there has not been data to suggest that large amounts of unhoused individuals are moving to the Region for those services.
P. Sweeney clarified that the largest single line item is rent supplements which demonstrates that the Plan is housing first even if shelter beds have increased. He reiterated that in order for the rent supplements to be effective there must be housing readily available. The engagement strategy and financial costs are based on co-creator and Staff cost estimates and that the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee will be presented with a budgeted amount. He further clarified that Staff will not be recommending to Council that the total amount of $345 million be funded by the Region and will be engaging other levels of governments, private sector, and philanthropic partnerships to assist in funding.
The Committee requested clarification on the chart in the report titled "Anticipated Relationship between Chronic Homelessness, Investment and Housing Outcomes" and Staff agreed to provide more information and education related to the data projections. P. Sweeney explained that the chart is meant to illustrate that continued investment is necessary to meet housing outcomes.
Responding to the Committee, P. Sweeney provided context for the recommended motion by explaining that its intent was for the Committee to express support for the noted priorities and that the budget considerations would be discussed at the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee.
In response to the Committee, R. Pettipiere confirmed that the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness accounts for gender disparities and that there is representation at the co-creator table.