Headline News

Town of New Tecumseth partners with County of Simcoe for homelessness prevention

March 22, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The County of Simcoe and the Town of New Tecumseth are collaborating to prevent homelessness while supporting residents across the region.

The County released its 10-point homelessness prevention strategy in June 2023, creating greater support for data-driven and effective initiatives.

Simcoe County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy makes affordable housing even more attainable by increasing supply, creating ‘deep rent subsidies,’ increasing eviction prevention services and improving available shelter.

This strategy commits the County to find new housing opportunities, enhance community shelter services and standards, and improve safety and well-being throughout the community.

The 10-point plan makes affordable housing more attainable, creates new supportive housing programs, creates peace of mind when using services, increases housing availability in current programs, and creates easier ways to access services through a centralized intake system.

It also enhances community shelter services with increased support, increases eviction protection services and access to housing for families, and finds new opportunities with attention to potential capital and operating opportunities.

While this is a regional plan, the County continues to make strategic investments in communities across the County.

“County Council is committed to building up our region through stable, long-term, and reliable supports for those who need it across the County,” said Simcoe County Warden, Basil Clarke. “We know that affordability remains a challenge for many in our communities and through these investments in affordability, we remain steadfast in our support for the residents of New Tecumseth and South Simcoe.”

In New Tecumseth, the County is currently working toward a potential Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program in Alliston. The County is currently evaluating locations for an innovative site in the Alliston area.

“Addressing any concerns around the unhoused in New Tecumseth must be a collective effort,” said New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross. “As the provider of social and community services, the County of Simcoe is working diligently on rapid rehousing programs throughout the area to help our most vulnerable and provide much needed support. The Town of New Tecumseth continues to collaborate with the County while connecting with our local community groups, partners, and organizations to ensure we are working together to provide any help and services that we can to our community.”

Once finalized in the coming months, the location and details for this site will be announced.

The County has increased funding to S.H.I.F.T by 260 per cent to support a year-round shelter model. It has also invested in outreach services for S.H.I.F.T. with an additional 100 per cent increase in outreach funding.

To support housing affordability, the County has implemented the Community Rent Subsidy Program to offer deep subsidies for eligible individuals and families to improve access to housing.

Readers Comments (0)