Waterloo Region — Investments are helping more people find affordable homes and rebuild their lives, but a 10-year road map shows more work is needed to meet growing housing needs.

"The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness is making a real difference. In the past 18 months, hundreds of people have avoided homelessness, and more than 1,000 people have moved into permanent housing," said Regional Chair Karen Redman. "These are important results for our community, and we remain focused on the work ahead."

The PECH update shared at the Community and Health Services Committee on October 6 shows 26 of 30 actions are underway and included these highlights:

• 1,143 people moved out of homelessness and into permanent homes from January to June 2026; nearly half were experiencing chronic homelessness. 
• Fewer people entered homelessness, and the number of people becoming chronically homeless decreased by 37 per cent. We also started to see more people exit than enter experiences of chronic homelessness. 
• The SDC Eviction Prevention Peer Program directly prevented eviction for 93 households.
• Additional investments in supportive housing, which has a success rate of approximately 98 per cent: 
• 49 new rental supplements helped people leave unsheltered homelessness.  
• 41 units opened through Indwell’s Magnolia Flats.  
• The PECH Rent Supplement Program helped 147 individuals and families continue to afford their homes. 

Two-thirds ($48M) of total funding to address and prevent homelessness ($68.6M) is supported by the municipal tax levy, including $14 million for PECH investments.

The PECH is one of four divisional plans brought together under one shared direction in the latest 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The 10-year plan is a coordinated, evidence-informed framework for action across the housing continuum and builds on the work Council has already approved. The priorities include:

• Deliver more homes faster. 
• Increase deeply affordable and non-market housing. 
• Expand mixed-income housing models. 
• Preserve community and affordable housing stock. 
• End chronic homelessness. 

"At the centre of these reports are people," says Ryan Pettipiere, Director of Housing Services. "These are families trying to stay in their homes, seniors looking for safe and affordable options, young people starting out on their own, people living with complex health needs, and community members who need a stable place to rebuild their lives."

The 10 year-plan was endorsed at the Community and Health Services Committee last week after being approved by the Province. It received final approval from Council on October 14.

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