2020.PH16.8

Background

To support reducing difficulties regarding homelessness and housing, “the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan” was adopted with a plan to “to help over 340,000 households through the approval of over 40,000 new affordable rental homes, including 18,000 supportive housing units over the next 10 years” and “increase housing stability for Toronto residents.” This policy also involves generating a “a six-month action plan to address the urgent issue of homelessness in the City” completed through the formation of two working groups of staff: Intergovernmental (in collaboration with provincial and federal governments) and Inter-divisional (collaborating with additional stakeholders). The Action Plan also involves assisting to “support a 24-month plan for the delivery of 3,000 affordable and supportive homes as part of recovery planning.”

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

City Council’s “HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan” and two supplementary actions - “Housing and People Action Plan” and “COVID-19 Interim Shelter Recovery Strategy” - includes a variety of actions to assist in reducing homelessness and housing issues in the city. These plans include supplementing “3,000 affordable rental and supportive homes composed of” an equal combination of modular homes, new homes, and “new portable (and flexible) Canada-Ontario Housing Benefits to help households secure housing available for rent in Toronto and across the region.” In addition, support includes “operating funding from shelters to create permanent supportive housing” and “to develop an affordable housing acquisitions strategy to support the City's COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Recovery Response Plan.” This plan also involves providing support to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness that don’t involve housing specifically including “funding for additional mental health care, and a continuum of substance use treatment and overdose prevention supports delivered by health and community partners.” 

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration