Homelessness Action Strategy and Implementation · PDF file · 2009-07-10Homelessness Action Strategy and Implementation Plan For ... and organizations such as BC Housing, Fraser

Homelessness Action Strategy

and Implementation Plan For

New Westminster

December 2006

Prepared for the City of New Westminster and the

Homelessness Coalition of New Westminster

2

Prepared by Jim Woodward & Associates Inc.

Table of Contents

HOMELESSNESS ACTION STRATEGY................................................................................. 4

HOUSING...................................................................................................................................... 5

Emergency Shelters ................................................................................................................. 5

Transitional and Supported Housing ...................................................................................... 7

Independent Housing............................................................................................................... 9

INCOME ...................................................................................................................................... 11

SUPPORTS .................................................................................................................................. 14

Addiction Services ................................................................................................................. 14

Drop-In Services.................................................................................................................... 14

Outreach Services.................................................................................................................. 14

Health Care ........................................................................................................................... 15

Prevention Services ............................................................................................................... 16

ACTIONS BY RESPONSIBILITY........................................................................................... 17

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN..................................................................................................... 21

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE.......................................................................................... 30

4

Homelessness Action Strategy This Homelessness Action Strategy for New Westminster (the Strategy) is based on gaps in services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness identified through research for in the report, The Homeless and At Risk Population in New Westminster and a Needs Assessment of Services,1 as well as relevant studies, information from service providers and feedback during workshops with the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition. The Strategy sets targeted actions and priorities for New Westminster while remaining consistent with the priorities and objectives of 3 Ways to Home, the GVRD Regional Homelessness Strategy endorsed by member cities, including New Westminster. 3 Ways to Home uses varied and extensive approach of the Continuum of Housing and Support as the framework to address homelessness. The Continuum of Housing and Support consists of three main categories, Housing, Income and Support and a number of sub-categories.

The Continuum of Housing and Support for alleviating homelessness

Housing Continuum Emergency shelters Transition houses Transitional housing Supported housing Independent housing

Adequate Income Employment Employment Insurance Income assistance

Support Services Addiction services Drop-in centres Outreach services Mental health services Health services Prevention services

This Strategy also remains consistent with the recently completed Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy 2006-2015, which recognizes the increasing prominence in Canada and the United States of the concept of housing first. Housing first is an approach to addressing homelessness based on the premise that homeless individuals and families can best address the reasons for their homelessness from a position of stable housing. Using the housing first approach, homeless individuals are moved directly, and as quickly as possible, into permanent housing, either from the street or from an emergency shelter, and are linked to services to help maintain their housing. Housing first leads to an approach to homelessness that focuses on the availability of affordable housing and prevention of eviction. Supported housing is now considered by many to be the key factor (though not the only factor) in addressing homelessness, especially for the chronically homeless. Even with a housing first approach, the complete range of services in the Continuum remain necessary to fully address homelessness. However, not all communities need to offer the entire list. Some services might adequately be delivered either by joint ventures between communities or on a regional basis. It is hoped that the City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition will foster working partnerships with neighbouring municipalities to meet the objectives of this Strategy. The Coalition and the City should also work in cooperation with the Greater Vancouver

1 Prepared for the City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition of New

Westminster, 2006

5

Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, responsible for implementing 3 Ways to Home. The Actions in this Strategy largely follow the Continuum of Housing and Support. Actions are numbered for convenience only, and are not ranked by priority.

Action 1. The Homelessness Coalition of New Westminster to formalize its

mandate to guide it in implementing the Homelessness Action Strategy.

As well, the Coalition to elect a chairperson or co-chairs and appoint

working subcommittees to assist with implementing actions.

Action 2. The Homelessness Coalition to work in cooperation with homelessness

coalitions in neighbouring municipalities such as Burnaby and the Tri-

Cities, and appropriate agencies such as Fraser Health, to coordinate

services for the homeless and those at risk.

Action 3. The City of New Westminster to work in cooperation with

neighbouring municipalities, and organizations such as BC Housing,

Fraser Health and other appropriate federal or provincial agencies, to

establish a mechanism for coordinating services for the homeless and

those at risk.

Housing

Action 4. The Homelessness Coalition to develop a model for a continuum of

housing and shelter needs for New Westminster.

Emergency Shelters In 3 Ways to Home and the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy 2006-2015, communities in the GVRD are organized by sub-region. New Westminster is in the sub-region called the Inner Municipalities, which also includes Burnaby and Richmond. The three communities have the following existing shelter beds:

New Westminster 46 shelter beds, 34 of which serve men only.

Nine cold/wet weather beds, also serving men only.

None of the beds are minimum barrier, and there are no beds

to accommodate those with pets

Richmond Seven permanent beds and three cold/wet weather beds

Burnaby No emergency beds or cold/wet weather capacity

6

Gap Action

There is a need for minimum barrier, enhanced*,

emergency shelter beds for all populations

5. The Homelessness Coalition to determine how many

minimum barrier, enhanced, 24-hour emergency shelter

beds are required for which populations (e.g. men, women

with or without children who are not fleeing abuse,

couples), and take the lead to advocate for new capacity

with BC Housing and other appropriate partners. *Minimum barrier refers to access to flexible, non-judgemental service based on need, without restrictions to lifestyle, conditions (e.g. intoxicated), eligibility, or number of times receiving the service, in a building that is accessible to everyone regardless of physical condition while acknowledging that the acuteness of health needs, behaviour or level of intoxication may limit the ability of the provider to give service. Enhanced means that a full range of services are offered at the shelter.

Service providers in New Westminster noted the especial need for minimum barrier emergency shelter beds for women with or without children not fleeing abuse, and for couples. An estimation of needed beds Shelter Net BC recently completed a ten-year emergency shelter plan for the Greater Vancouver Region. While the focus of the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy is on ‘housing first’ solutions to homelessness, i.e. moving homeless people quickly into permanent housing with supports, it recognizes that emergency shelters are an important crisis response and that there are gaps in available shelter resources for certain sub-populations.2 It also recognizes that an adequate distribution of resources is necessary to meet the needs of all persons who are homeless. The following statement describes the major assumption under which the Shelter Strategy was prepared and applies to the whole region:

All levels of government will take responsibility for providing between 678 and 976 permanent housing units in 10 years to meet some of the accommodation needs of homeless persons. If this does not occur, then there will be more street homeless, and the shelter strategy will need to be amended to address the shortfall.

The Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy recommended a number of new emergency shelter beds to be provided in the period 2006-2010 for the Inner Municipalities region.

Client group Number of beds/units

Seniors (55+) 15

Adult men and women 44

Youth (19-24) 43

Single women 30

2 Jim Woodward & Associates Inc, et al, From shelter to home…Greater Vancouver Shelter

Strategy 2006-2015, May 2006

7

Further emergency shelter gaps

GAP ACTION There is a need for a protocol with the New Westminster Humane Society to shelter a pet while the owner stays in a New Westminster shelter or enters a treatment facility.

6. The Homelessness Coalition to negotiate a protocol with

the New Westminster Humane Society to shelter pets

while the owner stays in a New Westminster shelter or

enters a treatment facility.

Current shelter beds may not always be able to respond to the needs of seniors.

7. The Homelessness Coalition, in consultation with

appropriate seniors services agencies, to assess whether

existing shelter capacity accommodates the age-related

issues faced by homeless seniors

Adults over the age of 65 receive federal pensions whereas the shelter system is provincially operated. Older adults do not have access to the shelter portion of BC Income Assistance to pay for their accommodation. As well, a majority of shelters are not equipped for people with age-related mobility issues, such as using a wheelchair or a walker. Many shelters also have a policy whereby clients must be out of the shelter during the day, which is inappropriate for most older adults. Some shelter providers have stated that older clients present with too many health issues to be accommodated on their premises.

NB: Pending a final decision on future plans for the redevelopment of the

Garfield Hotel site, there may be a reduction in the number of current

emergency shelter beds in New Westminster for men. This might then

constitute a further gap to be addressed by in Action 5. However, if Actions in

the Strategy such as the development of transitional and supported housing are

realized, this may reduce the need for additional shelter capacity. As well, if

neighbouring communities establish shelter capacity, this may also reduce the

need in New Westminster.

Transitional and Supported Housing 3 Ways to Home refers to transitional and supported housing as affordable housing that includes ongoing supports and services to residents who cannot live independently and may not become fully self-sufficient. This form of housing may be located in a purpose-designed building or in scattered site apartments. Added support services may include providing life skills, training and support with housekeeping, meal preparation, banking

8

support and access to medical care, counselling, referrals, crisis response and intervention. Housing of this type enables individuals to stabilize their personal situation and re-establish connections with the community.

� Transitional housing accommodates residents for a particular time period, most often somewhere between six months and two years, although extensions may be possible.

� Supported housing is intended to be permanent and different types meet

different needs. For example, supported housing is an important resource for people with special needs including those with severe and persistent mental illness. It is also an important part of the continuum for addiction treatment. Research has shown that supported housing is very effective in reducing homelessness.

Chronically homeless

GAP ACTION

8. The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness

Coalition to coordinate a Housing Outreach Strategy.

There is a need for

services to the

chronically homeless. 9. The City of New Westminster to coordinate outreach to

people who are street homeless to assist eligible people to

access BC Employment and Assistance benefits and other

sources of income and help connect people who are street

homeless to a Ministry of Employment and Income

Assistance Resources worker and those of other services.

There is a need for a

minimum barrier, harm

reduction supported

housing facility for the

chronically homeless.

10. The Homelessness Coalition to determine an appropriate

model for a minimum barrier, harm reduction, supported

housing facility for the chronically homeless in the City

and to take the lead to advocate with BC Housing and

other potential funding partners for such a facility.

City staff estimate that between 20 and 30 homeless individuals who have multiple challenges such as addictions and mental health issues are chronically homeless on the streets of New Westminster. In 5½ months in 2006, the New Westminster’s Bylaw Officer moved 58 different homeless individuals sleeping on the City’s streets.

9

Adults and youth who are homeless and at risk GAP ACTION

11. The Homelessness Coalition to prioritize actions for

filling the gap of additional transitional and permanent

supported housing for adults and youth who are

homeless and at risk.

There is a need for

additional transitional

and permanent

supported housing for

adults and youth who

are homeless and at risk. 12. The Homelessness Coalition to support New

Westminster housing providers in their applications for

transitional and supported housing developments and

assist with appropriate strategies to ensure that

applications for rezoning are approved. If required, the

Coalition may decide to prioritize proposals and make

recommendations.

� At the Cliff Block there are transitional residents who have come to the end of their term, but cannot live independently. There are few options for these people.

� Currently there are only five transitional beds for youth in New Westminster

located at Agape House.

� There are 14 mental health clients on the waiting list for Supported Independent Living units.

Older adults

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

transitional and

supported housing

capacity to serve older

residents.

13. The Homelessness Coalition in consultation with seniors

services providers, to assess whether the existing

transitional and supported house capacity accommodates

the age-related issues faced by homeless seniors and

those at risk.

Independent Housing

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

additional affordable

independent housing.

14. The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New

Westminster to strongly advocate with the provincial

government to restore its social housing supply program

and the federal government to expand funding for social

housing.

10

15. The City of New Westminster to take leadership to assist

with meeting affordable housing needs through various

means such as fast tracking of development applications

where there are benefits to the City, density bonuses,

secondary suite policies, relief of development costs

charges and taxes, and other appropriate means.

� The number of projected shelter beds contained in the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy is predicated on a minimum number of permanent housing units to be built in the next ten years throughout the region.

� As of August 2006, 541 households who list their last permanent address as New

Westminster were on the BC housing registry list waiting for social housing units. Of these, 89 were homeless.

� For the fiscal year April 2005 through March 2006, the housing support worker at

Fraserside Community Services saw approximately 180 clients from New Westminster.

“Scattered addresses” market rental subsidies for mental health clients

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

additional “scattered

addresses” market

rental subsidies for

mental health clients.

16. The Homelessness Coalition to support service

providers in their efforts to increase the number of

”scattered addresses” market housing rental subsidies

available to mental health clients living in New

Westminster.

� There are few affordable housing options available in New Westminster for

mental health consumers. “If there were more, such as from BC Housing or ‘scattered addresses’ subsidies, then the stock of mental health housing could better serve clients with support/skill developmental needs. People sometimes are kept in SIL units and transitional housing options far longer than is necessary because to move them would involve moving them into poverty and unaffordable housing.”3

� Unlike the SAFER program, where any senior who qualifies can receive a

housing subsidy, the scattered housing subsides for mental health clients, administered in New Westminster by CMHA-Simon Fraser, are limited to 20. This is clearly inadequate, as the waiting list has been closed because there is almost no turnover.

3 From survey of New Westminster service providers.

11

“Scattered addresses” rental subsidy program that is not limited to mental health clients

GAP ACTION

There is a need for a

“scattered addresses”

rental subsidy program

that is not limited to

mental health clients,

but is open to those who

are homeless or at risk

with challenges in their

lives but who can live

independently.


Westminster to advocate with the province for a rental

subsidy program for those who are homeless or at risk

with challenges in their lives who can live independently

but who do not qualify for the recently announced Rental

Assistance Program or do not live with a mental illness.

Coalition members identified the need for independent housing options for those with challenges such as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and brain injuries.

Income

BC Income Assistance and shelter allowance.

GAP ACTION


Coalition, in coordination with other homelessness

coalitions and municipalities, to strongly advocate with

the provincial government to increase support benefits

available through the BC Employment and Assistance

program to at least reflect cost of living increases since

1991.

There is a need to

increase the BC Income

Assistance and shelter

allowance.


Coalition, in coordination with other homelessness

coalitions and municipalities, to strongly advocate the

provincial government to raise the shelter component of

income assistance to at least reflect cost of living increases

since 1991.

12

Minimum wage

GAP ACTION


Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to

strongly advocate with the provincial government to

increase the minimum wage so that people who are

employed can afford housing without paying more than

30% of their income on shelter costs.




eliminate the $6 training wage rate

There is a need to

increase minimum

wage.



advocate with the provincial government to monitor the

minimum wage and update it periodically so that it keeps

pace with increases in the cost of living.

BC Shelter Allowances are considerably lower than average rents in New Westminster. As well, a single person earning minimum wage, currently $8/hour, falls below the core need income thresholds4 for any sized apartment in New Westminster. They also fall below the Low Income Cut-Off for a single-person household. As can be seen from the following table, current shelter allowances and minimum wage rates make finding adequate, affordable accommodation in New Westminster largely impossible.

Rental affordability by unit type, New Westminster

Unit type

Average rental costs, 2005

Core Need Income Thresholds by unit size

Monthly income needed to reach affordability*

Minimum Housing Wage: Hourly wage needed to reach affordability**

Monthly Shelter Allowance from BC Government Income Assistance

Bachelor $543 $27,500 $2,291 $13.22 Single person $325

1-Bedroom

$656 $31,000 $2,583 $14.90 2 adults $520

2-Bedroom

$826 $37,500 $3,125 $18.02 Single mother, 2 children of same gender

$555

3-Bedroom

$1,043 $44,000 $3,667 $21.15 2 adults, 5 children

$695

* Affordability is paying 30% of gross income on shelter costs ** Based on earning the hourly wage for 52 weeks and a 40-hour week

4 Core Need Income Threshold refers to the income a household needs to rent the average,

appropriate-sized unit in the private market, where the rent is no more than 30% of gross income. It is the income used by BC Housing to determine if a household is eligible for social housing.

13

Access to BC Income Assistance and shelter allowance.

GAP ACTION



encourage the provincial government to revise eligibility

criteria and the applications process for BC Employment

and Assistance to enable easier access for those needing

income assistance, including immediate temporary access

until proof of eligibility can be obtained.



encourage the Ministry of Employment and Income

Assistance to provide additional outreach assistance to

adults and youth with multiple challenges who wish to

apply for benefits.

There is a need for a less

complicated access to

BC Income Assistance

and shelter allowance.


Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities and

other homelessness coalitions, to encourage the provincial

government to reinstate the exemption of a portion of

earnings as an incentive for Income Assistance recipients

to seek employment.

In April 2002, several changes were made to the BC Employment Assistance program income support system that affect the ability of individuals to obtain assistance. People who intend to apply for assistance must:

� Contact a BC Employment and Income Assistance office, and complete an appointment form;

� Obtain the work search guidelines information sheet; � Receive an intake interview date, typically within three weeks; � Conduct a three-week work search and complete an orientation session while

awaiting an intake interview; � Attend the intake interview, where a worker will determine the applicant’s

eligibility; and, � Complete an orientation interview as part of the application process.

As a result, an applicant must wait at least three weeks before being eligible for assistance, except perhaps in exceptional cases, and the review process may take more than three weeks. As well, other changes have affected the ability of individuals to access or maintain benefits, and many applicants find the whole process too daunting and give up applying.

14

Supports Addiction Services

GAP ACTION

There is a need for more

addictions services.


Westminster seek information from Fraser Health

regarding planned changes in addiction services capacity

for New Westminster residents and strongly advocate for

increased services such as detox and other addiction

services. There are generally 12-16 people on the waiting list for addiction services at Fraserside. In overcoming substance abuse, it is important to have services available when the person is ready and willing to accept treatment. Drop-In Services

GAP ACTION

There is a need for more

comprehensive,

minimum barrier drop-

in services in New

Westminster.

27. The Homelessness Coalition to review examples of

comprehensive minimum barrier homeless drop-in

facilities such as those under development in Victoria 5 to:

� Determine the appropriate type of facility and

whether it should be integrated with a housing

facility;

� Determine how to select a service provider to

operate facility;

� Determine appropriate location;

� Identify funding partners; and

� Support an application for funding by the service

provider

There is no minimum barrier service in New Westminster for all person to come in off the street to shower, use laundry facilities, access meal service, telephones and connect to other services. Several of the homeless and formerly homeless interviewed for the report stated that without access to a telephone it is difficult to find housing.

Outreach Services

5 Our Place, the Our Place Society in Victoria.

15

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

sufficient multicultural

services and integration

opportunities for

immigrant women who

have left their homes

because of abuse.

28. Monarch Transition House to detail the requirement for

multicultural services and integration opportunities for

immigrant women who have left their homes because of

abuse and enter into protocol arrangements with service

providers to link women to appropriate support from

other providers in the community.

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

service providers to

recognize the specific

trauma experienced by

women and their

children who are fleeing

abuse and having to

leave their homes, and

be flexible in providing

appropriate services to

this population.

29. The Monarch Transition House to develop an

educational program that details the issues facing women

and their children fleeing abuse and having to leave their

homes. This program will include a series of

recommended initiatives to help service providers adapt

services to meet the special needs of women and children

using transition house services.

Monarch Transition House identified the need for appropriate services for immigrant women and children fleeing abuse. Health Care

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

primary care services for

adults without a Care

Card.

30. The Homelessness Coalition to strongly advocate that

Fraser Health determine the best method of delivering

primary care services to adults without a Care Card.

Homeless people have an increased risk of dying prematurely. One factors contributing to this early mortality is a delay in seeking care. A Toronto study of the homeless found that individuals visited an emergency room three times more than did housed formerly homeless individuals. In New Westminster, there is a Fraser Health drop-in youth clinic operated by Lower Mainland Purpose Society for youth under 21 that provides primary care and does not require a care card. There is no comparable facility for adults. As well, Royal Columbian Hospital reports that many of their patients with no fixed address do not have Care Cards, preventing them from accessing general practitioners and walk-in clinics.

16

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

comprehensive dental

care to adults who are

unable to afford a

dentist.

31. The Homelessness Coalition strongly advocate that

Fraser Health determine the best method of providing

dental care to adults who are unable to afford a dentist.

All available dental health programs in the city are for children, and they are limited.

Prevention Services

GAP ACTION

There is a need for

prevention services for

households facing

eviction such as legal

services or financial

assistance such as a rent

bank.

32. The Homelessness Coalition to determine how best to

deliver additional prevention services for households

facing eviction such as legal services or financial

assistance such as a rent bank. (These services may best

be delivered on a regional basis.)

From 3 Ways to Home, the updated Regional Homelessness Plan for Greater Vancouver: “Prevention services are defined as programs or services aimed at helping to prevent people from becoming homeless. This is a particularly important area because the benefits of these services can help reduce future financial and human costs. The most obvious way to prevent homelessness is to ensure that the full continuum of housing and supports are in place and that everyone has adequate affordable housing, income and support services. Prevention efforts can be direct, as in helping a family that is about to be evicted because they can’t afford next month’s rent by providing them with the necessary funds, or providing counselling that helps prevent the breakdown of a family in crisis. Indirect prevention services address collective needs, such as advocacy work to protect tenants’ rights.”

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ACTIONS BY RESPONSIBILITY

Formalize/ Determine/Negotiate/ Assess/

Prioritize/Review/Support/ Take Leadership/Coordinate

Advocate

HOMELESSNESS COALITION

#1 The Homelessness Coalition of New Westminster to formalize

its mandate to guide it in implementing the Homelessness Action

Strategy. As well, the Coalition to elect a chairperson or co-chairs

and appoint working subcommittees to assist with implementing

actions.

#30 The Homelessness Coalition to strongly advocate

that Fraser Health determine the best method of

delivering primary care services to adults without a

Care Card.

#2 The Homelessness Coalition to work in cooperation with

homelessness coalitions in neighbouring municipalities such as

Burnaby and the Tri Cities, and appropriate agencies such as

Fraser Health, to coordinate services for the homeless and those at

risk.

#31 The Homelessness Coalition strongly advocate

that Fraser Health determine the best method of

providing dental care to adults who are unable to

afford a dentist.

#4 The Homelessness Coalition to develop a model for a

continuum of housing and shelter needs for New Westminster

#5 The Homelessness Coalition to determine how many

minimum barrier, enhanced, 24-hour emergency shelter beds are

required for which populations (e.g. men, women with or without

children not fleeing abuse, couples), and take the lead to advocate

for new capacity with BC Housing and other appropriate partners.

#6 The Homelessness Coalition to negotiate a protocol with the

New Westminster Humane Society to shelter pets while the owner

stays in a New Westminster shelter or enters a treatment facility

#7 The Homelessness Coalition, in consultation with appropriate

seniors services agencies, to assess whether existing shelter

capacity accommodates the age-related issues faced by homeless

seniors

#10 The Homelessness Coalition to determine an appropriate

model for a minimum barrier, harm reduction, supported housing

facility for the chronically homeless in the City and to take the

lead to advocate with BC Housing and other potential funding

partners for such a facility.

#11 The Homelessness Coalition to prioritize actions for filling the

gap of additional transitional and permanent supported housing

for adults and youth who are homeless and at risk

#12 The Homelessness Coalition to support New Westminster

housing providers in their applications for transitional and

supported housing developments and assist with appropriate

strategies to ensure that applications for rezoning are approved. If

required, the Coalition may decide to prioritize proposals and

make recommendations.

#13 The Homelessness Coalition in consultation with seniors

18



Advocate

services providers, to assess whether the existing transitional and

supported house capacity accommodates the age-related issues

faced by homeless seniors and those at risk.

#16 The Homelessness Coalition to support service providers in

their efforts to increase the number of ”scattered addresses”

market housing rental subsidies available to mental health clients

living in New Westminster.

#27 The Homelessness Coalition to review examples of

comprehensive minimum barrier homeless drop-in facilities such

as the one under development in Victoria to:

� Determine the appropriate type of facility and

whether it should be integrated with a housing

facility;

� Determine how to select a service provider to operate

facility;

� Determine appropriate location;

� Identify funding partners; and

Support an application for funding by the service provider.

#32 The Homelessness Coalition to determine how best to deliver

additional prevention services for households facing eviction such

as legal services or financial assistance such as a rent bank. (These

services may be best delivered on a regional basis.)

CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

#3 The City of New Westminster to work in cooperation with

neighbouring municipalities, and organizations such as BC

Housing, Fraser Health and other appropriate federal or

provincial agencies, to establish a mechanism for coordinating

services for the homeless and those at risk.

#9 The City of New Westminster to coordinate outreach to people

who are street homeless to assist eligible people to access BC

Employment and Assistance benefits and other sources of income

and help connect people who are street homeless to a Ministry of

Employment and Income Assistance Resources worker and those

of other services.

#15 The City of New Westminster to take leadership to assist with

meeting affordable housing needs through various means such as

fast tracking of development applications where there are benefits

to the City, density bonuses, secondary suite policies, relief of

development costs charges and taxes, and other appropriate

means.

19



Advocate

HOMELESSNESS COALITION + CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

#8 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition

to coordinate a Housing Outreach Strategy

#14 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New

Westminster to strongly advocate with the provincial

government to restore its social housing supply

program and the federal government to expand

funding for social housing.

#26 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New Westminster

seek information from Fraser Health regarding planned changes

in addiction services capacity to New Westminster residents and

strongly advocate for increased services such as detox and other

addiction services.

#17 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New

Westminster t to advocate with the province for a

rental subsidy program for those who are homeless or

at risk with challenges in their lives who can live

independently but who do not qualify for the recently

announced Rental Assistance Program or do not live

with a mental illness

#18 The City of New Westminster and the

Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other

homelessness coalitions and municipalities, to


increase support benefits available through the BC

Employment and Assistance program to at least

reflect cost of living increases since 1991.



homelessness coalitions and municipalities, to

strongly advocate the provincial government to raise

the shelter component of income assistance to at least

reflect cost of living increases since 1991.



municipalities, to strongly advocate with the

provincial government to increase the minimum wage

so that people who are employed can afford housing

in New Westminster without paying more than 30%

of their income in shelter costs.



municipalities, to strongly advocate with the

provincial government to eliminate the $6 training

wage rate.

20



Advocate



municipalities, to advocate with the provincial

government to monitor the minimum wage and

update it periodically so that it keeps pace with

increases in the cost of living.



municipalities, to encourage the provincial

government to revise eligibility criteria and the

applications process for BC Employment and

Assistance to enable easier access for those needing

income assistance, including immediate temporary

access until proof of eligibility can be obtained.



municipalities, to encourage the Ministry of

Employment and Income Assistance to provide

additional outreach assistance to adults and youth

with multiple challenges who wish to apply for

benefits.



municipalities, and other homelessness coalitions, to

encourage the provincial government to reinstate the

exemption of a portion of earnings as an incentive for

Income Assistance recipients to seek employment.

MONARCH TRANSITION HOUSE

#28 Monarch Transition House to detail the requirement for

multicultural services and integration opportunities for immigrant

women who have left their homes because of abuse and enter into

protocol arrangements with service providers to link women to

appropriate support from other providers in the community.

#29 Monarch Transition House to develop an educational

program that details the issues facing women and their children

fleeing abuse and having to leave their homes. This program will

include a series of recommended initiatives to help service

providers adapt services to meet the special needs of women and

children using transition house services.

21

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ele

ssness

Coalit

ion o

f N

ew

Westm

inste

r to

fo

rmaliz

e its

mandate

to g

uid

e it in

im

ple

menting

the

Hom

ele

ssness A

ctio

n S

trate

gy.

As

well,

the C

oalit

ion t

o

ele

ct

a c

hairpers

on o

r co-c

hairs a

nd a

ppoin

t w

ork

ing

subcom

mitte

es to a

ssis

t w

ith im

ple

menting a

ctio

ns.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

January

2007

N/A

Action

2.

The H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o w

ork

in c

oopera

tion w

ith

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions in

neig

hbouring m

unic

ipalit

ies s

uch

as B

urn

aby

and the T

ri C

itie

s,

and a

ppro

priate

agencie

s

such a

s F

raser

Health, to

coord

inate

serv

ices f

or

the

hom

ele

ss a

nd t

hose

at risk.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

June

2007

N/A

Action

3.

The C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r to

work

in c

oopera

tion w

ith

neig

hbouring

munic

ipalit

ies,

and o

rganiz

ations s

uch a

s B

C

Housin

g, F

raser

Health a

nd o

ther

appro

priate

federa

l or

pro

vincia

l ag

encie

s, to

esta

blis

h a

mechanis

m for

coord

inating

serv

ices f

or

the h

om

ele

ss a

nd t

hose a

t risk

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r June

2007

N/A

Ho

usin

g

Action

4.

The H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o d

eve

lop a

model f

or

a

continuum

of

housin

g a

nd s

helter

needs

for

New

W

est

min

ste

r.

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Marc

h

2007

N/A

E

me

rge

nc

y s

he

lte

r s

ys

tem

22

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

5.

The H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o d

ete

rmin

e h

ow

many

min

imum

barr

ier,

enhance

d,

24-h

our

em

erg

ency

shelter

beds a

re r

eq

uired for

whic

h p

opula

tions (

e.g

. m

en,

wom

en w

ith o

r w

ithout

child

ren n

ot fleein

g a

buse,

couple

s),

and take the lead t

o a

dvo

cate

for

new

capacity

with B

C H

ousin

g a

nd o

ther

appro

priate

part

ners

.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Marc

h

2007

BC

Housin

g

and o

ther

appro

priate

fu

nders

6.

The H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o n

eg

otiate

a p

roto

col w

ith

the N

ew

Westm

inste

r H

um

ane S

ocie

ty to s

helte

r pets

w

hile

the o

wner

sta

ys in a

New

West

min

ste

r shelte

r or

ente

rs a

tre

atm

ent fa

cili

ty

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

Hum

ane

Socie

ty

Marc

h

2007

N/A

Action

7.

The H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

onsultation w

ith

appro

priate

senio

rs s

erv

ices a

gencie

s, to

assess

wheth

er

exi

sting

shelter

capacity

accom

modate

s the

ag

e-r

ela

ted issues faced b

y hom

ele

ss s

enio

rs

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

senio

rs s

erv

ices

Marc

h

2007

N/A

T

ran

sit

ion

al a

nd

Su

pp

ort

ed

Ho

us

ing

A

ction

8.

The C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o c

oord

inate

a H

ousin

g O

utr

each S

trate

gy.

N

ew

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

the

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r

Ong

oin

g

N/A

23

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

9.

The C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r to

coord

inate

outr

each t

o

people

who a

re s

treet hom

ele

ss to a

ssis

t elig

ible

people

to

access B

C E

mplo

yment

and A

ssis

tance b

enefits

and

oth

er

sourc

es o

f in

com

e a

nd h

elp

connect

people

who

are

str

eet

hom

ele

ss to a

Min

istr

y of

Em

plo

yment and

Incom

e A

ssis

tance R

esourc

es w

ork

er

and those o

f oth

er

serv

ices.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and M

EIA

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

10. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o d

ete

rmin

e a

n

appro

priate

model f

or

a m

inim

um

barr

ier,

harm

re

duction, support

ed h

ousin

g facili

ty f

or

the c

hro

nic

ally

hom

ele

ss in the C

ity

and t

o t

ake t

he lead to a

dvo

cate

w

ith B

C H

ousin

g a

nd o

ther

pote

ntial f

undin

g p

art

ners

for

such a

facili

ty.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Febru

ary

2007

BC

Housin

g,

ME

IA a

nd

oth

er

part

ners

to

be

identified

11. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o p

rioritize

actions for

filli

ng t

he g

ap o

f additi

onal tr

ansiti

onal and p

erm

anent

support

ed h

ousin

g for

adults a

nd y

outh

who a

re

hom

ele

ss a

nd a

t risk

.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

April

2007

N/A

12. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o s

upport

New

W

est

min

ste

r housin

g p

rovi

ders

in t

heir a

pplic

ations f

or

transitio

nal and s

upport

ed h

ousin

g d

eve

lopm

ents

and

assis

t w

ith a

ppro

priate

str

ate

gie

s to e

nsure

that

applic

ations f

or

rezo

nin

g a

re a

ppro

ved.

If r

eq

uired, th

e

Coalit

ion m

ay

decid

e t

o p

rioritize

pro

posals

and m

ake

recom

mendations.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

the

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r

Ong

oin

g

N/A

13. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion in c

onsultation w

ith s

enio

rs

serv

ices p

rovi

ders

to a

sse

ss w

heth

er

the e

xisting

tr

ansitio

nal and s

upport

ed h

ouse c

apacity

accom

modate

s th

e a

ge-r

ela

ted issues faced b

y hom

ele

ss s

enio

rs a

nd t

hose a

t risk

.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

senio

rs s

erv

ices

pro

viders

Marc

h

2007

N/A

24

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

In

de

pe

nd

en

t H

ou

sin

g

14. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd the C

ity

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r to

str

ong

ly a

dvo

cate

with t

he p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

rest

ore

its

socia

l housin

g s

upply

pro

gra

m

and t

he f

edera

l gove

rnm

ent to

exp

and f

undin

g f

or

socia

l housin

g.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

the

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r

Ong

oin

g

BC

Housin

g

15. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r to

take leaders

hip

to a

ssis

t w

ith m

eeting a

fford

able

housin

g n

eeds thro

ug

h v

arious

means s

uch a

s fa

st tr

ack

ing

of

deve

lopm

ent applic

ations

where

there

are

benefits

to the C

ity,

density

bonuses,

secondary

suite p

olic

ies, re

lief

of

deve

lopm

ent

costs

charg

es a

nd taxe

s,

and o

ther

appro

priate

me

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r O

ng

oin

g

To b

e

dete

rmin

ed

16. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o s

upport

serv

ice

pro

viders

in t

heir e

ffort

s to

incre

ase t

he n

um

ber

of

”scattere

d a

ddre

sses”

mark

et housin

g r

enta

l subsid

ies

ava

ilable

to m

enta

l health

clie

nts

liv

ing

in N

ew

W

est

min

ste

r

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

pro

viders

Ong

oin

g

BC

Housin

g

Ac

tio

n

17. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd the C

ity

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r to

advo

cate

with t

he p

rovi

nce f

or

a r

enta

l subsid

y pro

gra

m f

or

those

who a

re h

om

ele

ss o

r at risk

with c

halle

ng

es

in t

heir liv

es w

ho c

an liv

e independently

but

who d

o n

ot q

ualif

y fo

r th

e r

ecently

announced R

enta

l A

ssis

tance P

rog

ram

or

do n

ot liv

e w

ith a

menta

l ill

ness.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

the C

ity

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r

Ma

y 2007

BC

Housin

g

Inco

me

25

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

18. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd m

unic

ipalit

ies,

to s

trong

ly a

dvo

cate

with

the p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

incre

ase s

upport

benefits

ava

ilable

thro

ug

h the B

C E

mplo

yment and A

ssis

tance

pro

gra

m to a

t le

ast

reflect

cost

of

livin

g incre

ases s

ince

1991.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

19. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd m

unic

ipalit

ies,

to s

trong

ly a

dvo

cate

the

pro

vincia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

rais

e the s

helter

com

ponent

of

incom

e a

ssis

tance to a

t le

ast re

flect

cost

of

livin

g

incre

ases s

ince 1

991.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

Action

20. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies, to

str

ong

ly a

dvo

cate

with t

he p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

in

cre

ase the m

inim

um

wag

e s

o that people

who a

re

em

plo

yed c

an a

fford

housin

g in N

ew

West

min

ster

without

payi

ng

more

than 3

0%

of

their incom

e o

n s

helter

costs

.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

Pro

vince o

f B

C

26

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

21. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies, to

str

ong

ly a

dvo

cate

with t

he p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

elim

inate

the $

6 tra

inin

g w

ag

e r

ate

.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

Pro

vince o

f B

C

22. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies, to

advo

cate

with t

he p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

monito

r th

e

min

imum

wag

e a

nd u

pdate

it periodic

ally

so t

hat it k

eeps

pace w

ith incre

ases in t

he c

ost of

livin

g.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

Pro

vince o

f B

C

23. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies, to

encoura

ge the p

rovi

ncia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

revi

se e

ligib

ility

crite

ria a

nd the a

pplic

ations p

rocess for

BC

Em

plo

yment

and A

ssis

tance t

o e

nable

easie

r access

for

those

needin

g incom

e a

ssis

tance,

inclu

din

g im

media

te

tem

pora

ry a

ccess

until pro

of

of

elig

ibili

ty c

an b

e

obta

ined.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

27

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

24. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies, to

encoura

ge the M

inis

try

of

Em

plo

yment

and I

ncom

e

Assis

tance to p

rovi

de a

dditio

nal outr

each a

ssis

tance t

o

adults a

nd y

outh

with m

ultip

le c

halle

ng

es w

ho w

ish t

o

apply

for

benefits

.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

25. T

he C

ity

of

New

West

min

ste

r and the H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

in c

oord

ination w

ith o

ther

munic

ipalit

ies a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions, to

encoura

ge the

pro

vincia

l g

ove

rnm

ent to

rein

sta

te the e

xem

ption o

f a

port

ion o

f earn

ings a

s an incentive

for

Inco

me

Assis

tance r

ecip

ients

to s

eek e

mplo

yment.

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and t

he

Hom

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd

oth

er

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions a

nd

munic

ipalit

ies

Ong

oin

g

ME

IA

Su

pp

ort

s

Action

Addic

tion

Serv

ices

26. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion a

nd the C

ity

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r seek info

rmation fro

m F

raser

Health

reg

ard

ing

pla

nned c

hanges in a

ddic

tion s

erv

ices

capacity

to N

ew

West

min

ste

r re

sid

ents

and s

trong

ly

advo

cate

for

incre

ase

d s

erv

ices s

uch a

s deto

x and o

ther

addic

tion s

erv

ices.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion,

City

of

New

W

est

min

ste

r and F

raser

Health

Septe

mbe

r 2007

Fra

ser

Health

28

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

A

ction

Dro

p-I

n

Serv

ices

27. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o r

evi

ew

exa

mple

s o

f com

pre

hensiv

e m

inim

um

barr

ier

hom

ele

ss d

rop-in

facili

ties s

uch a

s the o

ne u

nder

deve

lopm

ent

in V

icto

ria

to: �

Dete

rmin

e t

he a

ppro

priate

typ

e o

f fa

cili

ty a

nd

wheth

er

it s

hould

be inte

gra

ted w

ith a

housin

g

facili

ty;

�

Dete

rmin

e h

ow

to s

ele

ct a

serv

ice p

rovi

der

to

opera

te f

acili

ty;

�

Dete

rmin

e a

ppro

priate

location;

�

Identif

y fu

ndin

g p

art

ners

; and

�

Support

an a

pplic

ation for

fundin

g b

y th

e s

erv

ice

pro

vider.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Ma

y 2007

N/A

Action

Outr

each

Serv

ices

28. M

onarc

h T

ransitio

n H

ouse t

o d

eta

il th

e r

eq

uirem

ent fo

r m

ultic

ultura

l serv

ices a

nd inte

gra

tion o

pport

unitie

s f

or

imm

igra

nt

wom

en w

ho h

ave

left

their h

om

es

beca

use o

f abuse a

nd e

nte

r in

to p

roto

col arr

ang

em

ents

with s

erv

ice

pro

viders

to lin

k w

om

en to a

ppro

priate

support

fro

m

oth

er

pro

viders

in the c

om

munity.

Monarc

h

Tra

nsitio

n

House

Marc

h

2007

N/A

29. M

onarc

h T

ransitio

n H

ouse t

o d

eve

lop a

n e

ducational

pro

gra

m that deta

ils the is

sues facin

g w

om

en a

nd t

heir

child

ren f

leein

g a

buse a

nd h

avi

ng

to leave

their h

om

es.

This

pro

gra

m w

ill inclu

de

a s

eries o

f re

com

mended

initia

tive

s t

o h

elp

serv

ice p

rovi

ders

adapt serv

ices to

meet th

e s

pecia

l needs

of

wom

en a

nd c

hild

ren u

sin

g

transitio

n h

ouse s

erv

ices.

Monarc

h

Tra

nsitio

n

House

Marc

h

2007

N/A

29

Ac

tio

ns

Resp

on

sib

ilit

y

Tim

e

Targ

et

P

ote

nti

al

Fu

nd

ing

P

art

ners

30. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o s

trong

ly a

dvo

cate

that

Fra

ser

Health d

ete

rmin

e the b

est

meth

od o

f deliv

ering

prim

ary

care

serv

ices f

or

adults w

ithout a C

are

Card

.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Octo

ber

2007

Fra

ser

Health

Action

Health

Care

31. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion s

trong

ly a

dvo

cate

that

Fra

ser

Health d

ete

rmin

e the b

est

meth

od o

f pro

vidin

g

denta

l care

to a

dults

who a

re u

nable

to a

fford

a d

entist.

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion

Octo

ber

2007

Fra

ser

Health

Action

Pre

vention

Serv

ices

32. T

he H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion t

o d

ete

rmin

e h

ow

best to

deliv

er

additio

nal pre

ventio

n s

erv

ices f

or

household

s

facin

g e

viction s

uch a

s leg

al serv

ices o

r financia

l assis

tance s

uch a

s a r

ent

bank. (T

hese s

erv

ices m

ay

be

best

deliv

ere

d o

n a

reg

ional basis

.)

New

W

est

min

ste

r H

om

ele

ssness

Coalit

ion in

coord

ination

with o

ther

hom

ele

ssness

coalit

ions

Octo

ber

2007

To b

e

dete

rmin

ed

30

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE Month Action

# Action

Jan 07 1 The Homelessness Coalition of New Westminster to formalize its mandate to guide it in implementing the Homelessness Action Strategy. As well, the Coalition to elect a chairperson or co-chairs and appoint working subcommittees to assist with implementing actions.

Feb 07 10 The Homelessness Coalition to determine an appropriate model for

a minimum barrier, harm reduction, supported housing facility for the chronically homeless in the City and to take the lead to advocate with BC Housing and other potential funding partners for such a facility.

Mar 07 4 The Homelessness Coalition to develop a model for a continuum of

housing and shelter needs for New Westminster. 5 The Homelessness Coalition to determine how many minimum

barrier, enhanced, 24-hour emergency shelter beds are required for which populations (e.g. men, women with or without children not fleeing abuse, couples), and take the lead to advocate for new capacity.

6 The Homelessness Coalition to negotiate a protocol with the New Westminster Humane Society to shelter pets while the owner stays in a New Westminster shelter or enters a treatment facility

7 The Homelessness Coalition, in consultation with appropriate seniors services agencies, to assess whether existing shelter capacity accommodates the age-related issues faced by homeless seniors

13 The Homelessness Coalition in consultation with seniors services providers to assess whether the existing transitional and supported house capacity accommodates the age-related issues faced by homeless seniors and those at risk.

28 Monarch Transition House to detail the requirement for multicultural services and integration opportunities for immigrant women who have left their homes because of abuse and enter into protocol arrangements with service providers to link women to appropriate support from other providers in the community.

29 Monarch Transition House to develop an educational program that details the issues facing women and their children fleeing abuse and having to leave their homes. This program will include a series of recommended initiatives to help service providers adapt services to meet the special needs of women and children using transition house services.

Apr.07 11 The Homelessness Coalition to prioritize actions for filling the gap of

additional transitional and permanent supported housing for adults and youth who are homeless and at risk.

May 07 17 The Homelessness Coalition to advocate with the province for a

31


# Action

rental subsidy program for those who are homeless or at risk with challenges in their lives who can live independently but who do not qualify for the recently announced Rental Assistance Program or do not live with a mental illness.

27 The Homelessness Coalition to review examples of comprehensive minimum barrier homeless drop-in facilities such as the one under development in Victoria to:

� Determine the appropriate type of facility and whether it should be integrated with a housing facility;

� Determine how to select a service provider to operate facility;

� Determine appropriate location; � Identify funding partners; and � Support an application for funding by the service

provider.

Jun 07 2 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New Westminster to work in cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, such as Burnaby and the Tri Cities, and appropriate agencies such as Fraser Health, to coordinate services for the homeless and those at risk

3 The City of New Westminster to work in cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, and organizations such as BC Housing, Fraser Health and other appropriate federal or provincial agencies, to establish a mechanism for coordinating services for the homeless and those at risk.

Sept. 07 26 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New Westminster seek

information from Fraser Health regarding planned changes in addiction services capacity to New Westminster residents and strongly advocate for increased services such as detox and other addiction services.

Oct. 07 30 The Homelessness Coalition to strongly advocate that Fraser Health

determine the best method of delivering primary care services for adults without a Care Card.

31 The Homelessness Coalition strongly advocate that Fraser Health determine the best method of providing dental care to adults who are unable to afford a dentist.

32 The Homelessness Coalition to determine how best to deliver additional prevention services for households facing eviction such as legal services or financial assistance such as a rent bank. (These services may be best delivered on a regional basis.)

Ongoing 8 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition to

coordinate a Housing Outreach Strategy. 9 The City of New Westminster to coordinate outreach to people who

are street homeless to assist eligible people to access BC

32


# Action

Employment and Assistance benefits and other sources of income and help connect people who are street homeless to a Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance

12 The Homelessness Coalition to support New Westminster housing providers in their applications for transitional and supported housing developments and assist with appropriate strategies to ensure that applications for rezoning are approved. If required, the Coalition may decide to prioritize proposals and make recommendations.

14 The Homelessness Coalition and the City of New Westminster to strongly advocate with the provincial government to restore its social housing supply program and the federal government to expand funding for social housing.

15 The City of New Westminster to take leadership to assist with meeting affordable housing needs through various means such as fast tracking of development applications where there are benefits to the City, density bonuses, secondary suite policies, relief of development costs charges and taxes, and other appropriate means.

16 The Homelessness Coalition to support service providers such as CMHA and Fraserside in their efforts to increase the number of ”scattered addresses” market housing rental subsidies available to mental health clients living in New Westminster.

18 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other homelessness coalitions and municipalities, to strongly advocate with the provincial government to increase support benefits available through the BC Employment and Assistance program to at least reflect cost of living increases since 1991.

19 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other homelessness coalitions and municipalities, to strongly advocate the provincial government to raise the shelter component of income assistance to at least reflect cost of living increases since 1991.

20 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to strongly advocate with the provincial government to increase the minimum wage so that people who are employed can afford housing in New Westminster without paying more than 30% of their income in shelter costs.

21 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to strongly advocate with the provincial government to eliminate the $6 training wage rate.

22 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to advocate with the provincial government to monitor the minimum wage and update it periodically so that it keeps pace with increases in the cost of living.

33


# Action

23 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to encourage the provincial government to revise eligibility criteria and the applications process for BC Employment and Assistance to enable easier access for those needing income assistance, including immediate temporary access until proof of eligibility can be obtained.

24 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities, to encourage the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance to provide additional outreach assistance to adults and youth with multiple challenges who wish to apply for benefits.

25 The City of New Westminster and the Homelessness Coalition, in coordination with other municipalities and other homelessness coalitions, to encourage the provincial government to reinstate the exemption of a portion of earnings as an incentive for Income Assistance recipients to seek employment.

Documents

Homelessness Action Strategy and Implementation · PDF file · 2009-07-10Homelessness Action Strategy and Implementation Plan For ... and organizations such as BC Housing, Fraser