McNab/Braeside Township: Last month, more than 60 representatives of government, community groups, citizens and property developers came together to celebrate National Housing Day. Hosted by the Renfrew County Housing Corporation (RCHC) and Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC); the one day event began with greetings from County of Renfrew’s incoming Warden Jennifer Murphy.
“Building a community must include everyone, and to build that community we need partnerships,” said Incoming Warden Murphy. “It’s great to see so many people here today building those partnerships…working together and networking our ideas and resources can and will make a difference in bringing solutions to homelessness.”
The day continued with a presentation from Vivian Chih, a Consultant on Affordable Housing with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation regarding an update of the National Housing Strategy and what they have heard from the feedback gathered recently.
Carol Neill, General Manager, Renfrew County Housing Corporation, and Jackie Agnew, Program Coordinator with the Renfrew County Housing Corporation delivered an overview of the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for the County of Renfrew; including details on the 20,000 Homes Campaign that the County is participating in, and the Portable Housing Benefit Pilot Program for survivors of domestic violence that the RCHC is currently delivering. The presentations continued with information being delivered on financial tools for affordable housing development as well as innovations in affordable housing in Ottawa.
“A lot of great work has been done to this point; we need to continue to build partnerships like we have here today,” said Ms. Neill.
Keynote speakers, Dr. Stephen Gaetz and Melanie Redman, delivered an impactful presentation on the ‘Collective Impact to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness.’ The key focus was on prevention, by getting to the youth early to instil good life choices, and a healthy lifestyle.
“Think regionally when you think of youth homelessness, it’s more helpful and healthy when you can connect and engage many support services at once in partnerships,” said Dr. Gaetz.
Ms. Redman said, “We need to prioritize prevention of youth homelessness…we need to get in front of youth, with their support in schools, and in our communities with our partners.”
The conversation continued with a ‘Local Housing Solutions & Partnerships’ panel of community experts who fielded questions from the audience. The panel of experts included speakers from youth shelters, support services, and housing providers. The focus was on partnerships, prevention, and sustainable affordable housing for youth, seniors and vulnerable people.
