Waterloo region council to hear strategies to end homelessness

Regional council members will hear the latest plans to end homelessness during a Community Services Committee meeting Tuesday morning. 

In June, council directed staff to formulate a plan offering interim housing solutions for residents experiencing homelessness "including those currently residing in encampments."

In their report going to committee, staff said they spoke with support agencies, local businesses and asked 53 people living in an encampment to complete a survey sharing their needs and experiences.

Council members will hear recommendations based on that research, including short-term and long-term plans. 

The report outlines interim housing solutions for people without a home, recommending some options like sanctioned, managed or hybrid approaches to encampments.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic is a member of regional council and sits on the Community Services Committee. He said there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

"Early and open dialogue is going to be very important as we look to implement these models, ensuring that our staff are engaged in any of the thought and development around them," he said. 

"It will also be important to ensure that they are equitably distributed across the region and not concentrated in the one municipality because the pressures of unsheltered situations are being felt in communities across the region."

Vrbanovic said the amount of time needed to implement each model will vary.

"Something like a managed hybrid shelter outdoor model is something that can be implemented on a much quicker, urgent basis than — looking at the expansion of a transitional housing program as an example, where it may require more construction, more renovations."

Vrbanovic said the project will need investment from upper levels of government to ensure there will also be wrap around supports.

"The realities are that it's not going to happen overnight. What we need to do is ensure that there are safe places for individuals in question... done in a way that balances their needs along with the needs of the rest of the community."

The Community Services Committee meets at 9 a.m.