County Of Huron Issues Report To The Community On Homelessness

by Bob Montgomery

The County of Huron is dedicated to tackling the complex issues of homelessness, poverty, and housing instability in Huron County.

Warden Glen McNeil says one of the priorities for the county is keeping county residents informed about what is currently being done to prevent and address homelessness in Huron County. McNeil says the county is taking a very proactive approach. “This Report to the Community on Homelessness represents a collaborative effort by the county and many local organizations committed to supporting our community’s most vulnerable citizens. On behalf of Huron County Council, I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in these important efforts.”

Part of that proactive approach is the county's latest program, the Bridge Housing and Stability Program. “Bridge Housing is a dispersed model of supportive housing in our various communities and it will provide connections to various services, rest and food. It is very important to first house the individuals that find themselves in this situation and then to provide the wrap-around services to assist them in their journey through the housing continuum and we are prepared to do that.”

This innovative year-round program will replace the previous Out of the Cold program, which was a winter only program. The Stability Program will guide participants through the housing process with the help of the Stability Team, which is a team of specially trained professionals who work directly with individuals in crisis to connect them with necessary services, including safe shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare.

For information on this sheltering option call 519-525-5922. Emergency options may be available.

By-Name List and Coordinated Access System

Huron’s By-Name List empowers individuals in crisis to self-identify and communicate their specific needs. This information allows staff to better understand the scope of homelessness in our community. Leveraging data from the By-Name List, the county leads the Huron County Homelessness Coordinated Access System, ensuring local organizations collaborate effectively to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Prevention Programs and Financial Support

To prevent homelessness, the County of Huron offers various programs, such as Pathways to Self-Sufficiency. Additionally, the County manages 415 rent-geared-to-income apartment units and collaborates with other levels of government to provide financial aid, including housing allowances and the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit.

New Housing Developments

In a commitment to increasing affordable housing access, the county has initiated several new housing developments:

1. Bennett Street, Goderich: 6 Units – Completed and fully occupied.

2. Sanders Street, Exeter: 20 Units – Nearing completion, expected to be ready for occupancy by December 2024.

3. Gibbons Street, Goderich: 40 Units – Currently in development, anticipated completion by late 2025 or early 2026.

Future Planning

The Planning and Development department is promoting denser housing developments to meet community needs for affordable housing. This includes permitting Additional Residential Units on existing properties to create more accessible housing options. McNeil says Huron County Council recognizes this a priority and they are taking proactive steps to address it.

For more information on these initiatives and to view the Report to the Community Infographic, please visit www.HuronCounty.ca/homelessness.