Aileen Baird, Director, Housing Services, identified that the pressures within the housing system are significant and growing in in the Region of Peel and that currently, the housing market is unaffordable for approximately 80 per cent of families. She noted the challenges with long waitlists for affordable housing, buildings in need of repair, overflowing emergency shelters and the requirement for mental health and addictions supports from the health care system. Aileen Baird provided an overview of the Region of Peel’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan to address these pressures; the achievements that have been accomplished during the past 18 months; and, the priorities for 2021 and 2022 that will be implemented.
In response to a question from Councillor Vicente regarding solutions for homelessness in the downtown Brampton core, Aileen Baird presented a slide outlining how Region of Peel Housing Services are delivered, key issues, risks facing the system and issues that need to be addressed by the health care system. She provided information regarding emergency interventions designed to meet immediate needs and the Housing First approach that will assist clients by placing them more quickly in permanent housing. Once housed, some clients require wrap around supports to stay housed, noting that there is limited access to longer-term mental health and addictions services for clients. Those with complex needs struggle to remain housed and could end up back on the street. Aileen Baird indicated that although today’s discussion and direction is focused on improving housing access, access alone will not solve the problem of homelessness.
Aileen Baird stated that a report to address the urgent needs in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga will be presented to Regional Council on November 26, 2020. The report will outline the costs associated with implementing solutions.
In response to a question from Councillor Vicente regarding how a homeless client can find immediate shelter, Aileen Baird stated that there is a new centralized shelter intake phone number. Anyone who calls the number will be booked into a shelter or a hotel room and transportation will be provided, if required. Support agencies can also call, on behalf of a client that does not have a cell phone. Janice Sheehy, Commissioner of Human Services, advised that an additional outreach van will be in operation as of November 2, 2020.
Aileen Baird undertook to provide the centralized shelter intake phone number to Members of Council for communication with their constituents.