United Way Northumberland convenes meeting to drive action plan for housing
Special contribution by United Way Northumberland executive director Alicia Vandine
Housing and homelessness are complex challenges that no single organization, municipality or level of government can solve alone.
That was the overwhelming message shared at the recent “Community Matters” event convened by United Way Northumberland, in partnership with the Northumberland Community Legal Centre on Aug. 25, which brought together housing leaders, service providers, municipal representatives and community members to explore solutions that could work in Northumberland County.
United Way Northumberland’s Haven for All program works to help people stay safely and stably housed before a financial shock, an unsafe living situation or a personal crisis puts them at risk of losing their home. We convened Community Matters to bring inspiring ideas home to learn from leaders who are already building housing solutions elsewhere, and to let that inspiration propel Northumberland toward affordable housing models of our own.
WHAT WE HEARD:
The event featured a range of leaders and perspectives from Northumberland and across Canada, each offering a piece of what’s possible:
Lisa Comerford, of the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, shared research on changing demographics, housing preferences and the types of homes Northumberland will need.
Cathy Borowec, of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, highlighted the importance of protecting existing housing through home repairs that help residents remain safely and affordably housed.
Kathy Vassilakos, of United Way Perth-Huron, presented United Housing’s work to create non-profit housing and convert existing buildings into affordable homes.
Shannon Down, of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario, provided a legal perspective on the Waterloo encampment decisions and their implications for communities responding to homelessness.
Debbie Carriere, of the Elizabeth Fry Society, shared Peterborough’s sleeping cabin initiative and demonstrated why housing must be accompanied by wraparound supports.
Luke Smith-Adams, of United Way Greater Toronto, discussed social medicine housing, which connects stable housing with healthcare, community services and broader systems of support.
Leah Logan, of Indwell, highlighted supportive housing developments that combine affordable homes with the services people need to maintain stability.
Sue LaPierre, of United Way Maritimes, shared its work to create affordable housing villages through partnerships with local developers.
Coun. Claire Holloway-Wadhwani concluded presentations by discussing Northumberland’s Intermunicipal Taskforce on Housing Solutions and its recommendations for stronger co-ordination among municipalities.
While the projects differed, the message was consistent: Progress happens through partnership.
Social-service organizations understand the needs and barriers facing residents. Community members bring local experience, ideas and the support needed to move projects forward.
Together, these examples showed Northumberland what’s working elsewhere and what could be possible here.
Housing is more than one agency can solve, but by working together, Northumberland can build the range of housing solutions our community needs. Feedback gathered from speakers and participants will help inform the development of a “community action plan for housing,” and continue the conversation at the next Community Matters event on Nov. 10.
If you were unable to attend, videos of the speaker presentations are available so you can hear the information and ideas firsthand and become part of this important community conversation.
You can learn more at www.mynuw.org/community-matters/.
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