Northumberland County and its dedicated partners, including NHH Community Mental Health Services, Transition House Shelter, and Cobourg Police Homeless Addiction Resource Project (HARP), remain steadfast in their commitment to addressing the needs of unsheltered residents.
Their collaborative effort revolves around ensuring the welfare of individuals living in unauthorized encampments on public and private property.
The focus is on guiding people from encampments to community services and providing aid with essential documents for housing.
The primary goal is not displacement but voluntary resolution through supportive services, according to County Director of Community and Social Services, Lisa Horne. Enforcement occurs only after multiple support offers without success.
Warden Mandy Martin emphasized the County’s efforts to tackle homelessness by building affordable housing units.
“The impacts of homelessness are increasing in Northumberland, as with communities across Ontario. We have neighbours in need in our community, and we are continuing to work with our front-line partners to ensure responsive supports are in place,” stated Warden Mandy Martin. “The County is using all resources at its disposal to address the level of need locally, from increased shelter spaces, to investments in outreach services, rent supplement programs, to increasing food resources at local food banks, and – one of the most significant solutions – building affordable housing.
“Today, between the efforts of the County, non-profit, and community housing providers, and federal and provincial funding partners, there are nearly 170 units of affordable housing either in development or under construction in Northumberland, with plans for further development. However, this is a longer-term solution. When it comes to immediate need for shelter, the main resource our community has is the emergency shelter system.
“We understand that some may not find the shelter system suitable, and recommendations coming forward to Council from the recent shelter system review will seek to address this. Nevertheless, it is currently how system partners are equipped to support people in need. And there is capacity within this shelter system today. We encourage everyone who needs support resolving their homelessness to engage with available services today.”
Written by Joseph Goden
