If you’re looking to learn more about area supports in the wake of the housing crisis, there’s a homelessness taskforce training session in the works.
As previously reported, Brighton’s homelessness taskforce was officially assembled and had its first meeting back in May of this year.
Its purpose to bring together people from all walks of life, services and community groups to create a comprehensive action plan – and ultimately create more co-ordinated, hyper local outreach, tapping into what each organization is best suited to tackle and make the best use of all resources, chair and Coun. Jeff Wheeldon previously told MBC.
In this regard, it also serves to promote understanding and awareness around street-level services provided through social services with Northumberland County, as well as non-profits, local groups and “unofficial” resources.
Part of the taskforce’s efforts also include helping to increase awareness, and it appears this will be a focus with the taskforce and Northumberland County coming together to host what’s been described as a free training session at Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Officials say the session will help residents learn about available supports, as well as how to help and direct people in need and provide answers to commonly asked questions. The session will start at 2:30 p.m. and go until about 4 p.m.
As previously reported, unprecedented numbers continue to be cited across the county and country in recent years as struggles around homelessness and affordable housing have only been exacerbated following the COVID-19 pandemic. Soaring living and housing costs, incomes not keeping pace, low vacancy rates and more are just some of the commonly cited factors driving people from their homes, including an increasing number of seniors in recent years.
Looking just to demand through Northumberland County’s centralized waitlist for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, numbers have continued to increase. And although wait-times vary and fluctuate, it can be up to nine years depending on the location in the county, turnover rates, bedrooms needed, and other factors.
At the three sites in Brighton, one-bedroom wait-times currently range from six to seven years, according to the county.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
