That Council approve the recommendations outlined in Report CSSS23-013, dated May 8, 2023 of the commissioner of Community Services as follows:
a) That the presentation from City staff be received as information,
b) That staff be directed to use the unbudgeted increased Homelessness Prevention Program funding for 2023/24 towards the short term strategy outlined in this report which is to include the provision of modular temporary housing at the City-owned 210 Wolfe Street/Rehill Parking Lot properties, secured storage, security, washroom facilities, support services, and site improvements;
c) That the funding currently included in the 2023 budget for the Overflow Shelter be reoriented to provide support services towards the implementation of the short-term strategy outlined in this report;
d) That staff be directed to pursue the placement of modular temporary housing on alternative privately-owned sites with appropriate supports with the goal of alleviating usage and dependency on the 210 Wolfe Street/Rehill Parking Lot site;
e) That staff be authorized to repurpose the funding in the Community Development budget for the meal drop-in program in the amount of $267,000 towards an emergency winter response program;
f) That staff provide an update report on the detailed implementation of the short-term strategy and winter response outlined in this report for the August Council cycle;
g) That the Treasurer, in consultation with the Commissioner of Community Services, be authorized to use the non-standard procurement process to ensure the modular units and other necessary site improvements for the short-term strategy identified in this report can be delivered and implemented prior to October 2023, including the contracting authority to purchase all necessary items and supports attached to the strategy;
h) That the City will use its funding (City, County, provincial and federal) as it relates to homelessness towards emergency shelter solutions, investing in permanent supportive housing builds, and supporting individuals and families to stay housed through financial supports. Health supports, which are needed to support people who have been homeless to stay housed, are expected to be funded and provided by health agencies, in alignment with the Coordinated Access System;
i) That staff be directed to review all funding being provided to external agencies and organizations through the Social Services budget to ensure that all funding is in alignment with the core services as identified in recommendation (h);
j) That staff be directed to review the policies around the provision of social housing units to ensure the units are being optimized to serve more households and is serving those in greatest need of housing; and
k) That staff be directed to provide a follow up report after consultation with community agencies to prioritize requests to the provincial and federal governments for projects and programs that will best serve to end chronic homelessness in the City and County but which are beyond the mandate or financial capability of the City to provide; and
At the meeting of May 8, 2023, Committee added item l) as follows:
l) That the City establish a Community Liaison Committee composed of 5 to 7 individuals, including a Town Ward Councillor and a member of the Peterborough Police.