Huron County, Ontario – County of Huron Social and Property Services staff are exploring supportive housing requirements and funding opportunities that align with the County’s Long-Term Affordable Housing and Homelessness Plan.
Supportive housing aims to reduce or eliminate the need for emergency and cold weather shelters by providing individuals in-need with a home that includes year-round wrap-around supports and services.
The County is working towards the creation of a dispersed, or scattered-site, model of supportive housing. In a ‘scattered-site’ model, a smaller number of units are dispersed among multiple buildings or properties in multiple communities. This method of supportive housing offers significant integration opportunities within the broader community and allows individuals greater opportunity to remain in their own communities.
“While there is still much work to be done to address homelessness and housing instability in Huron, this is a significant step forward,” said County of Huron Warden Glen McNeil, “Adopting a housing first approach, that uses a dispersed model of supportive housing, in Huron means that we are able to provide a more permanent housing solution that promotes wellness and rehabilitation through its services. The County of Huron remains committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents and providing a sense of belonging for all”.
In working with partner agencies and local municipalities, the County of Huron remains committed to improving access to housing, and to preventing and addressing homelessness through safe and stable housing supports.
To learn more about housing, homelessness, and the Huron Heart to Home program, visit www.huroncountyconnects.ca.
Quick Facts:
- On July 8, 2020, Huron County Council approved the formation of a regional County-led Homelessness Task Force. This Task Force launched the Huron Heart to Home
- Huron Heart to Home works to prevent and address homelessness in Huron County through coordinated actions.
- A Housing First approach puts a primary focus on helping people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to quickly access safe, affordable and stable housing, combining the immediate provision of permanent housing with wrap around support services.
- The County of Huron Social and Property Services department leads and supports numerous housing programs, including homelessness prevention.
- Read the County of Huron’s 2020 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report: https://www.huroncounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2020-Housing-Homelessness-Annual-Report.pdf
The County of Huron asks the community to continue respecting all public health guidelines, including performing hand hygiene, practicing physical distancing, and wearing masks. Stay informed on the COVID-19 situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.