In December 2018, Housing Services retained the services of Vink Consulting to complete the five-year review of the Windsor Essex Housing and Homelessness Master Plan (HHMP or Plan).
In November 2019 Council approved the renewed Plan titled “Home Together: Windsor Essex Housing and Homelessness Master Plan 2019 – 2028” (CR 612/2019 Report # S 197/2019).
Furthermore, Ontario Regulation 367/11 s.8 states that every year on or before June 30 th the Service Manager must provide the details of:
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The measures undertaken by the service manager to meet the objectives and targets in its housing and homelessness plan, and
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The progress achieved towards meeting those objectives and targets, as measured in accordance with the plan.
In light of COVID-19 pandemic Housing Services was granted an extension to submit the Annual Report by September 30, 2020.
Discussion:
Throughout 2019, meaningful and comprehensive community engagement was completed to ensure varied audiences had an opportunity to share their insights, ideas and experiences on the strengths, challenges, and gaps in housing and homelessness services across Windsor Essex, and to help determine priorities for the next Plan.
The updated 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Master Plan represents a shift in focus and establishes the framework of a housing and homelessness system that works more collaboratively across sectors, to ensure that efforts are aligned around key goals that focus on long term housing outcomes. The updated Plan also aims to improve system integration, recognizing that the housing and homelessness sector cannot end homelessness and address all housing needs on its own.
The attached 2019 Annual Report to the Community on the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Master Plan represents a shift between achievements and enhancements completed under the original Plan, while shifting to encompass the goals, strategies and targets detailed in the renewed Plan.
On behalf of the community, Housing Services is pleased to provide you with the sixth Annual Report to the Community on the Windsor Essex 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Master Plan.
The seven goals, corresponding strategies, and key targets presented in this section highlight the major achievements and initiatives during 2019.