An Overview of Housing Strategies

Presentation toCanadian Housing and Renewal Association

May 2, 2013

Context: A Strong History of Action

WHAT’S NEW?

THE HOUSING SERVICES ACT (HSA)

• Requires a new 10-year local integrated housing and homelessness plans from Service Managers (SM), including areas of provincial interest. (By January 2014)

• SMs will have opportunity for more flexible programs and services in affordable housing and the elimination of some areas previously requiring provincial consents.

• Areas requiring review, amendment, or development of new local rules and processes. eg. Opportunity for SMs to change the waiting list processes.

• Provides the Housing Services Corporation more flexibility to offer new services and supports.

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Current Legislative Framework

WHAT’S NEW?

INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING (IAH):

A Fed./Prov. bilateral agreement covering 2011-2014 harmonizing investments and reporting related to affordable housing.

Replaces funding previously provided separately for affordable housing initiatives from Fed., CMHC, and Prov. and aligns within HSA. $13.6 million to March 2015.

Four general categories:1. Increasing supply of affordable housing,2. Improving affordability for those in housing crisis,3. Improving/preserving the quality of affordable housing, and4. Supporting safe independent living.

COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE – CHPI Supporting responsive and consolidated local programs and funding

to prevent homelessness, rapidly respond to persons who are experiencing homelessness, and support temporary emergency shelters.

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BUILDING A TOOLBOX APPROACH…Multiple targeted priorities, actions, and integrated solutions.

Funding Framework

London Community Housing Strategy (LCHS) 2010

A broad framework guiding48 Strategic Objectives with 100 project initiatives over5 years….

London Community Housing Strategy

Under a Single Vision…

A city of London where all members of the communityhave access to housing thatis safe, secure, and suitable totheir needs and ability to pay.

With an Integrated Homelessness Plan

Support Based Housing SolutionsTo Homelessness

Options for Affordable Living

Goal:

Approach:

Strategic Objectives: 1.1 Focus on housing and homelessness together.1.2 Central administration within the City for housing and

homelessness change initiatives.1.3 Decentralize Ontario Works office.1.4 Regional identity.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE FOREFFECTIVE STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION

A London based regional approach to integrate homelessness and housing initiatives through a centralized administration

Theme 1: Strong System Design

BriefUpdate:

Theme 1: Strong System Design

The Housing Services Act together with the Housing Strategy have led to…. New and updated local rules for social housing (in progress)

Redesign of London CAReS program focusing on Housing First for those with complex needs

Federal Provincial Investing in Affordable Housing (IAH) funding allowing for a “toolbox” approach to housing solutions and targets

Creation of a municipal housing supplement with supports aligned with London CAReS

Ongoing decentralization in Ontario Works with new service sites

System reengineering work guided by the Child and Youth Network’s Neighbourhood Engagement and Development in identified priority neighbourhoods

Revising strategy and plan into an updated 10 year Housing (& end to Homelessness) plan

Ongoing discussions with health and other sectors related to housing

Goal:

Approach:

Strategic Objectives: 2.1 Review London CAReS 2.2 Target H2H style program2.3 Reduce shelter use and beds2.4 Review shelter system and services2.5 Supports to people once housed2.6 Invest in prevention strategies2.7 Align funding to priorities and needs2.8 Consider Supported Employment2.9 Shared client Information System2.10 Outcome based funding2.11 Determine homeless numbers/needs2.12 Community Plan on Homelessness

FOCUS ON PERMANENT SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESSNESS

Alignment and development of outcome based permanent solutions to homelessness

Theme 2: Integrated Responses

Theme 2: Integrated Responses

Focus on retooling London CAReS within a Housing First approach Strengthened focus on integrated services and housing supports Enhanced coordinated work of street outreach, housing locator, and housing supports Continue deployment through new service contracts with community partnerships, through More coordinated recruitment, training, and action.

Focus on responding through new Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative New provincial funding consolidating 5 homelessness program based funding allocations Increased local flexibility Authorized within the Housing Services Act and aligned locally within a revised 10 year strategy End of Community Start-up and Maintenance benefit in social services (OW and ODSP) New services will be aligned within 4 key areas of integrated homelessness services:

- Securing Housing (related to those at risk or currently experiencing homelessness)- Supports (related to staying safely and appropriately housed)- Stabilizing Housing (retaining housing as part of broader community engagement- Shelter Diversion

BriefUpdate:

Goal:

Approach: Strategic Objectives: 3.1 Increase London Profile

3.2 Increase income supports3.3 Strengthen capacity of housing providers3.4 Improve discharge planning/shelter diversion3.5 Increase investment in services to newcomers3.6 Expand responses for Aboriginal people3.7 Adjust shelter allowance and rent/utility scales3.8 Continue Federal investment in social housing3.9 Permit social housing to borrow against equity3.10 Provide new grants to maintain stock3.11 Continue with bilateral funding programs3.12 Provide rent subsidies and supplements3.13 Clearer policy direction related to Planning3.14 Reinvest cost recovery into new housing3.15 Amend local priority rules in social housing3.16 Acquire property from all governments

WORKING WITH OTHER ORDERS OF GOVERNMENT

Establish London as an equal partner with other orders of government

Theme 3: Responsive Governments

Theme 3: Responsive Governments

Focusing on the Importance of Housing across governments and services…

Continued local leadership related to housing through advocacy to other orders of government related to:

- mental health and related supportive housing needs at MPP meetings- housing strategy and sustainable funding with MP and MPP meetings- discussions with health sector regarding co-operative initiatives and pilots (veterans, youth mental health, etc).

Policy Position Brief: A Housing Benefit for Families with Low Income paper of the Child and Youth Network (CYN). Local responses to the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario Dialogue within the grassroots community groups reflecting interest in safe and affordable housing Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) - Bilateral provincial/federal funding program (now extended

5 years by federal government)

BriefUpdate:

Goal:

Approach:

Strategic Objectives: 4.1 Continue to redefine and clarify civic administration roles4.2 Build capacity amongst property managers4.3 Target for the City of London (900 Units)4.4 Supportive housing for other orders of government (300)4.5 Create mix within larger scale redevelopments4.6 Mix throughout the City4.7 Embrace environmental stewardship4.8 Maintain existing stock (public and private)4.9 Examine economic development opportunities4.10 Improve the waiting list for subsidized housing4.11 Mayor’s Update on LCHS every 18 to 24 months

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TARGETS & CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK

1200 new affordable housing units throughout London (a mix of supplements, existing, built form, new units, and specialized units) to begin filling priority gaps within the housing continuum.

Theme 4: Focused & Measurable Outcomes

Theme 4: Focused & Measurable Outcomes

A toolbox approach to 1200 units of affordable housing…900 through municipal programs and plans.300 required from province as “supportive housing”

Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH): Municipal administration agreements between the Province and London to enter into the IAH program and funding arrangement to March 2015.

BriefUpdate:

Goal:

Approach:

Strategic Objectives: 5.1 Ensure quality housing that meets tenant needs5.2 Responsive and innovative special Ontario Works teams5.3 Maintain annual City investment in affordable housing5.4 Continue building the City’s National and Provincial profile5.5 Housing and Social Services working together

CONTINUATION OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT HOLD PROMISE.

Aligning research, community engagement, programs, and service innovations to create a housing continuum that builds Community Vitality and Economic Prosperity in London.

Theme 5: Responsive Administration

Theme 5: Responsive Administration

Funding: Continued allocation of $2 million municipal funding toward reserve fund (enhancing targets and leveraging allocations from the private sector, other orders of government, and other funders.

Residential Rental Unit Licensing By-law:Passed by Municipal Council in 2011 and implemented shortly thereafter.

Social Service Delivery: Continued local responses to caseload growth and other challenges through specialized teams, new employment services contracts, actively engaging in

the provincial social service review, and piloting new technologies to allow for improved access to services in a decentralized model.

BriefUpdate:

Redesigning Services....From:

Homelessness

Emergency Temporary

Housing /Shelter

Urgent HousingWithout Supports

Housing Crisis

Discharge from Jails and Hospitalsor from Housing Crisis leading to Homelessness

Individuals with Chronic and ComplexNeeds

Urgent Status in Social Housing, Substandard Housing

Lack of SupportsResults in Loss of Housing

Still Experiencing Cycling…

To…Breaking the Cycle

Homelessness or

Housing Crisis

SECURING HOUSING

Includes In Situ & Temp

Emergency Housing

HOUSINGSUPPORTS

HOUSINGSTABILITY

Finding appropriate housing to avoid homelessness, reduce reliance on shelters, and avoid unplanned moves where possible.

All Housing Options Considered… Including: maintaining existing, social, private with supplements and supports, and full private

Supports and services are made available to assist in avoiding recurrence .

The Way Out

Supportinglong term safe affordable living.

Based on Many Existing Services for those…

Experiencing Homelessness

In Housing CrisisRequiring Supportive Housing

Requiring Appropriate Affordable Housing

Requiring Affordable Housing

Self Directed Market Housing

Requiring Housing With Some Supports

A strong history of innovative programs and initiatives related to housing and homelessness services in London.

Supportive, And Assisted Housing

Housing-basedInterventions with Supports.

A Toolbox of Housing Solutions

Emergency Housing Services and Shelters

TransitionalHousing

Rent-Geared to IncomeHousing

Private Market Rent Assistance

Private Market Ownership Assistance

Full Private Market –Rental andOwnership

Based on housing options that do not require movement between solutions, working across not within programs, services or systems.

Along a spectrum that reflects: types of housing solutions, varying levels of service, andoptions that are age and demographically appropriate.

A Tool Box of Outcome Based Housing Options

How do I find housing? Is that what I really need?

How do I stay housed?

How do I find new housing that is appropriate for me?

What supports do I need?

How do I avoid homelessness?

Supportive, And Assisted Housing

Housing-basedInterventions with Supports.

Supports and Housing Solutions

Rent-Geared to IncomeHousing

Private Market Rent Assistance

Private Market Ownership Assistance

Full Private Market –Rental andOwnership

Working withLondon CAReSOn Supplementwith Supports

Working withSocial housing providers, Homelessness Services, and Social Housing Access Centre on Review of System AccessTo Housing

Supporting social housing property managers and tenants in reduced vacancy loss and unit retention

Focus on Existing Market Solutions: Rent or Housing Supplements Ontario Renovates Homeownership

&New Housing Solutions: New Rental Convert to Rent/Rehab

Emergency Housing Services and Shelters

TransitionalHousing

Supporting social housing property managers and tenants in reduced vacancy loss and unit retention

Integrated Housing and Support Solutions

Housing SolutionsServices Focused on Addressing Homelessness

• Securing Housing

Securing Housing

Homelessness to Housing Stability Continuum

Strategy – Competency – Capacity

Diversion from

entering shelter

Rapid housing

from shelter

Emergency Shelter Services

Reduced pressures on emergency shelter use

Centralized intake Shelter Specialization

Housing support

shelters and dom69%HPS

5%

Rent Bank2%

CHPP7%

CAReS15%

THAW3%

Homeless Serving Sector 2012 – Federal, Provincial and Municipal $

In three years the proposed percentage of funding that should be allocated in each of the four areas of focus

Shelter20%

Securing Housing33%

Housing with Support

29%

Housing Stabil-ity

18%

Housing Targets

Focus of Municipal and IAH funding:

Existing Market Solutions:

Rent or Housing Supplements Ontario Renovates Homeownership

New Housing Solutions:

New Rental Convert to Rent/Rehab

CURRENT STATUS ON TARGET OF 900 UNITS = 624 Units

Solutions focused on maximizing existing vacancies, maintaining safe occupancy, and opening new units from those moving to homeownership.

New housing solutions focused on creating new purpose built units or converting non-residential into residential units within existing neighbourhoods.

Target will continue to fluctuate over time to maximize program and delivery options.

Re-envisioning Housing Solutions

DEFINE VALUE BEYOND BRICKS AND MORTAR

Seeing the Vision as a Value Proposition (Measurable End State).

Not Program Focused but Outcome Focused.

Based on Options and Needs for Individuals, Families, and their Communities.

Focused on collective impacts across programs and service sectors.

Being able to defining the value of housing from different perspectives.

Based on Housing First and Rapid Rehousing

Recognize the costs of doing nothing (or nothing more).

Recognize the multiplying values of investments.

Example: 1 New Unit of Affordable Housing: (Based on New Rental Program in IAH)

• Housing an individual or family affordably,• Creates 2 FTEs of local employment/unit at… • Construction wages (14% higher than average wages),• Utilizes skilled labour,• Provides an affordable unit for 25 years,• Creates quality housing in integrated communities,• Utilizes energy efficient design and construction,• Maximizes land use,• Supports local businesses….

The list goes on!

Defining Economic Value in Housing

“[Housing development and municipal infrastructure] has

the highest multiplier effect and impact on GDP recovery”.

For both new construction and housing renovations, an expenditure of $1 million generates roughly three full-time-equivalent jobs, and a further ten indirect and ancillary jobs. FCM, 2012

Social

Environmental

/Community

Economic

Map of Downtown…

The BIG PICTURE:

Downtown Londonpopulation growth exceeded growthfor balance of London

4.5% Growth Between2006-2011(1800 People)

Inspired bydowntown development and large community projects (e.g., Library, Arena)

Map of Downtown…

The BIG PICTURE:

ALSO supported byNew Affordable Housing Projects.

296 Units of NEWAffordable Housing in core areabetween 2006-2011

Many engaged in serviceindustry – living andworking downtown.

Map of Downtown…

The BIG PICTURE:

ALSO supported byNew Affordable Housing Projects.

296 Units of NEWAffordable Housing in core areabetween 2006-2011

Many engaged in serviceindustry – living andworking downtown.

Approx. 400 unitsin core and Dundas East corridor (2004-12)

LOCAL PRIORITIES:

1. Continue to support existing promising programs, including London CAReS 2.0 shift to a housing first focus. Assisting in new service approaches to homelessness prevention and intervention under CHPI. (e.g., Supplement with Supports)

2. Reviewing and revising local rules for social housing to ensure they meet new legislation.

3. Review policies and processes related to accessing housing, to better link persons in housing need to choices in not only social housing but affordable and market housing as well .

4. Developing new affordable housing options within the toolbox approach. (e.g. Engage private market landlords in new supplement programs.)

5. Extend supports to Local Housing Corporation to help large number of persons with complex needs and increase housing stability.

6. Creating a new Housing Development Corporation

7. Developing new 10 year housing (& ending homelessness) plan.

Current Priorities and Next Steps

Housing Solutions That WorkClockwise from Top Left…

1&2- Before and after of a downtown affordable housing development with new restaurant/commercial space;

3 - Development on Princess Ave

4 - London CAReS housing focused outreach in core;

5 - LIFT non-profit new affordable housing project;

6 - Solar roof at 590 Grosvenor

7 - Glencoe ON Seniors Apts

8 - Ad for local Homeownership Program.

Housing

Louise Stevens Director, Municipal Housinglstevens@london.ca

Stephen GiustiziaManager, Housing Services, Housing Divisionsgiustizia@london.ca

Josh BrowneManager, Social Housing Administration jbrowne@london.ca

www.housing.london.cawww.london.ca/CAReS

Homelessness

Lynne LivingstoneManaging Director, Neighbourhood, Children, and Fire Servicesllivings@london.ca

Jan Richardson, Program Manager, Homelessness Servicesjrichardson@london.ca

Contacts