County of Huron issues Report to the Community on Homeless

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2024
SPOKESPERSON: Glen McNeil, Warden 519.524.8394 x3224 warden@huroncounty.ca

Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron is dedicated to tackling the complex issues of homelessness, poverty, and housing instability in Huron County. In an effort to keep the community informed, the actions that are currently being taken to prevent and address homelessness in Huron County are presented below.
“The County is taking proactive action on multiple fronts to prevent and address homelessness in our community,” said Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. “This Report to the Community on Homelessness represents a collaborative effort by the County and many local organizations committed to supporting our community’s most vulnerable citizens. On behalf of Huron County Council, I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in these important efforts.”
Bridge Housing and Stability Program (Temporary Housing)
This November, the County of Huron will launch a new Bridge Housing and Stability Program in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services (CMHA HP). This innovative year-round program will replace the previous Out of the Cold program, which was a winter only program. It aims to transition vulnerable individuals out of homelessness into temporary living spaces that offer stability and support.
Bridge Housing: Utilizing a “Dispersed Model of Supportive Housing,” individuals will be accommodated in units located throughout the community, providing a safe environment for individuals needing rest, food, and connection to appropriate services.
Stability Program: Participants are guided through the housing process by the Stability Team, which is a team of specially trained professionals who work directly with individuals in crisis to connect them with necessary services, including safe shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare. For information on this sheltering option call 519-525-5922. Emergency options may be available.
By-Name List and Coordinated Access System Huron’s By-Name List empowers individuals in crisis to self-identify and communicate their specific needs. This information allows staff to better understand the scope of homelessness in our community. Leveraging data from the By-Name List, the County leads the Huron County Homelessness Coordinated Access System, ensuring local organizations collaborate effectively to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Prevention Programs and Financial Support
To prevent homelessness, the County of Huron offers various programs, such as Pathways to Self-Sufficiency. Additionally, the County manages 415 rent-geared-toincome apartment units and collaborates with other levels of government to provide financial aid, including housing allowances and the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit.
New Housing Developments In a commitment to increasing affordable housing access, the County has initiated several new housing developments:
1. Bennett Street, Goderich: 6 Units – Completed and fully occupied.
2. Sanders Street, Exeter: 20 Units – Nearing completion, expected to be ready for occupancy by December 2024.
3. Gibbons Street, Goderich: 40 Units – Currently in development, anticipated completion by late 2025 or early 2026.
Future Planning
The Planning and Development department is promoting denser housing developments to meet community needs for affordable housing. This includes permitting Additional Residential Units on existing properties to create more accessible housing options.
For more information on these initiatives and to view the Report to the Community
Infographic, please visit www.HuronCounty.ca/homelessness.

1 Courthouse Square
Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M2
www.HuronCounty.ca
huronadmin@huroncounty.ca
Phone: 519.524.8394
Toll Free: 1.888.524.8394