HURON COUNTY – 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, according to a release.
“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.”
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 release states 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. According to the release, this method of supportive housing offers significant integration opportunities within the broader community and allows individuals greater opportunity to remain in their own communities.
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.
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 program. Huron Heart to Home works to prevent and address homelessness in Huron County through coordinated actions.
To learn more about housing, homelessness, and the Huron Heart to Home program, visit www.huroncountyconnects.ca.
