1 in 5 Muskoka households earn below the poverty line. There are about 640 people on the wait-list for district housing in Muskoka.
Sandra Daleman, the district’s acting director of programs, housing and homelessness, said many factors affect people’s ability to access safe and affordable housing.
“Coupled with lack of housing, there are often physical and mental health and wellness concerns, as well as isolation, and a lack of supportive resources,” said Daleman.
“Our teams help people to make connections with local resources, whether the need is food security, basic needs, access to social assistance such as Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, or linking to the many programs and resources available with our partners in the community,” she continued.
In Muskoka, one in five households earn below the poverty line, much higher than the provincial average. The unemployment rate is also higher — at 9.3 per cent in 2020-21 — and the labour participation rate is more than 20 points below the provincial rate, she said.
The housing market and inflation have made life “increasingly harder for many low-income earners in Muskoka,” she said.
The district’s housing team works to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, said Daleman.
“Every situation is different and continues to be more complex, requiring a collaborative approach across the social services, mental health, health, long-term care, and other sectors to help provide the necessary support for our community members,” she said.
Creating affordable housing, like Alex’s Place, a transitional home with 12 supportive units for young people, has been key. The district has partnered with the Elizabeth Fry Society to help with this project’s success.
There will be an additional five, one-bedroom units available in early 2023, she said.
The district has also shown support for the Muskoka Community Land Trust, a non-profit organization of community members and agencies working to build an attainable shelter for healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods, she said.
Partnerships with landlords and developers also continue “to help support the creation of more affordable units, utilizing rental subsidies, and capital incentives programs,” said Daleman.
Rental subsidies are slated to increase to help keep up with inflation, she said.
There are between 65 and 75 people supported by the district who are living in motels in Muskoka on a long-term basis, and between 10 and 12 staying for one or two nights who are in crisis situations. As a last resort, the district has also given out tents and sleeping bags.
Since the last homelessness enumeration in October 2021, which captured that 150 adults and 11 children were experiencing homelessness in Muskoka, the district has adopted a new process called the Muskoka By-Name List. This aims to maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive list of those experiencing homelessness and chronic homelessness.
People on the by-name list are supported by a group of agencies known as the Muskoka Co-ordinated Access System. This group helps people obtain housing, access essential services, and become housing-ready by assisting them with applications and making community connections, said Daleman.
Anyone experiencing homelessness is encouraged to reach out for support.
Sarah Law – MuskokaRegion.com – Friday, October 7, 2022