2018 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report highlights collaborative programs and initiatives

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Cobourg, ON – June 19, 2019 – The 2018 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report, released today, highlights progress made by Northumberland County and community partners to offer supports and programs designed to foster a robust and responsive housing and homelessness system.

“Over the past year, we have continued to develop meaningful partnerships that have resulted in innovative programs and the realization of objectives outlined in the County’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan,” states Director of Community & Social Services Lisa Horne. “This report reflects positive progress in improving local programs and services and coordinating our community response. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.”

The objectives outlined in the 10-year plan position efforts to end chronic homelessness through a Housing First approach, focusing on preventive measures that stabilize people’s housing. This strategic direction has guided a number of programs and initiatives that have been essential to delivering outcomes in our community. Throughout 2018, some key deliverables included:

  • The development of a draft framework for an Affordable Housing Strategy.
  • The continued construction of a 31-unit affordable housing build in Cobourg.
  • The completion of the second homelessness enumeration, providing valuable insight into the needs of our community’s homeless population.
  • Continuation of the Housing Support Program using Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF) Housing Allowances and Rent Supplements to ensure a Housing First approach to client support.
  • The selection of Transition House as the successful proponent to provide emergency shelter to adults in Northumberland, and the re-opening of the shelter in collaboration with the Board of Transition House.

“County Council is proud to see the progress our community made in 2018 to strengthen our response to housing and homelessness challenges,” says Acting County Warden Bob Crate. “We look forward to continued partnership with community agencies to achieve new milestones in fulfillment of the principle that a home for everyone is key.” 

The full report is available on our Reports, Plans and Studies page.