"In Community, by Community, for Community": Work begins on Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
Waterloo Region – This week at Community and Health Services Committee, representatives of the Region of Waterloo, Overlap Associates and The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region (SDCWR) presented an overview of the project to create a Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (The Plan).
“This will be a plan created in the community, by the community, for the community,” said Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services. “We are taking a different approach to the development of this plan. It will require unprecedented collaboration. For the first time, the plan will not only be based on research, best practices and widespread community engagement but also will be co-created by those with lived expertise, service providers and community partners. There is a seat at the table for anyone who wants to be involved in finding solutions to ending chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.”
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region is unprecedented. The Region estimates that more than 1,000 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness. Of these individuals, more than 500 are experiencing chronic homelessness or homelessness that lasts for more than six months.
As part of the Interim Housing Solutions strategy approved by Council in August 2022, staff were directed to create a plan to end chronic homelessness.
Those experiencing chronic homelessness often have needs that are more complex. The Plan will outline the strategies and resources needed. It will examine gaps in the current system, barriers to access, root causes and will seek creative solutions to decades-long challenges.
Region of Waterloo staff are working in close collaboration with Overlap Associates and the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region (SDCWR) on the project. Overlap will oversee broad-based community engagement and the SDCWR will facilitate engagement with those who have lived expertise of homelessness.
"Working with people who lived through the trauma and loss of homelessness and poverty is central to any solution that impacts their lives,” said Aleksandra Petrovic, Executive Director, Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. “The Social Development Centre's contribution will focus on hands-on work on potential solutions together with lived experts, the Region and the community."
The community engagement approach will be confirmed by late April. Project updates will be posted on the Engage WR page and shared across the community.
Engagement activities such as interviews, street team outreach and surveys will take place over the summer. An update will be provided to Council in September 2023 with a final report expected in late 2023.
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