Chatham-Kent is continuing its push to improve housing access and fight homelessness, councillors heard on Monday.
A progress report was presented for Year 4 of the strategy, which discussed the need in the community along with program priorities.
These include assisting residents in securing social or market housing, helping with affordable home purchases, and renovation assistance for urgent repairs so people can remain in their homes.
Last year, $135,000 of the housing allowance benefit was used to assist 49 households in securing market rental units in C-K.
Thirty-four households were helped with $394,789 for home repairs through C-K Renovates.
Kristen Williams, the municipality’s manager of tenant relations, said improving accessibility for those with health concerns is also key.
“It allows individuals to stay in-home and reduces of course the healthcare costs,” she said.
Help is available for those experiencing temporary financial difficulties to stabilize their housing situations, with 36 new short-term housing allowances implemented.
Twenty households fleeing domestic violence were assisted and safely housed through the Survivors of Domestic Violence Portable Housing Benefit pilot program.
Council also received updates about various housing projects within the municipality.
Other aspects of the strategy include fostering tenant and landlord relationships through staff liaisons and community presentations, along with expanding the services of public housing case managers to assist with referrals and advocacy.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor called housing a crucial issue that the municipality has a role in addressing.
“We’re supposed to assess and fulfil his need in the community,” he said.
In 2018-19, housing services will look at having municipal policy recommendations drafted for council consideration to encourage affordable housing development.
Community homelessness prevention programming is funded provincially by the the Ministry of Housing.
According to Monday’s report, it includes the following service categories:
- homeless prevention ($626,929);
- housing-related supports ($522,981);
- services and supports ($248,263);
- administration and enumeration ($208,817);
- and emergency shelter solutions ($165,459).
BY THE NUMBERS
Avg. income
C-K $38,993
Ont. $53,691
Avg. proportion of income spent on rent and utilities
C-K 23%
Ont. 25%
Avg. monthly rent and utilities
C-K $744
Ont. $1,109
Households living in overcrowded conditions
C-K 5%
Ont. 12%
– Source: Canadian Rental Housing Index
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