The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness - RoW 2023​​

Project Background

The number of people who are currently experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region is higher than ever before. The Region of Waterloo estimates there are 500 people experiencing chronic homelessness in our community. The Region of Waterloo is working collaboratively with community partners to build a roadmap of strategies and timelines to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Source: Discussion Guide and Informational Brochure

Septemeber 2023 Project update

​Regional Municipality of Waterloo Community and Health Services Committee Meeting 
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Included: 
What is chronic homelessness?

​Chronic homelessness is defined as an experience of homelessness for long periods of time. This includes an experience of homelessness that lasts a total of at least six months (180 days) over the past year or a total of at least 18 months (546 days) over the past three years.


Why is the project focusing on ending chronic homelessness?

The longer a person experiences homelessness, the more their health and well-being suffers.

​Targeting efforts in ending chronic homelessness as a starting point ensures those with the longest experiences of homelessness and most complex needs are the first to receive housing and support to end their homelessness. Ending chronic homelessness will be the beginning of the end of all forms of homelessness in Waterloo Region.


Who will create The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness?
​
Region of Waterloo staff are working with Overlap Associates and the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region (SDCWR) on the project. Overlap will oversee broad-based community engagement and the SDCWR will facilitate engagement with those who have lived expertise of homelessness. It will be created in community, by community, for community. Learn more at EngageWR.ca/End-Chronic-Homelessness.

Source: Discussion Guide and Informational Brochure

More about the plan & its development
Related Data & Research
​INTERIM HOUSING SOLUTIONS

​​August 18, 2022 Regional Council Meeting
  • (7.1.2.) Community Services Committee Summary - Interim Response to Homelessness - August 9, 2022 34 - Recommended Motion
  • (8.1. CSD-HOU-22-19), Interim Housing Solutions for Regional Residents Experiencing Homelessness

​​Engage Waterloo Region - Interim Housing Solutions: 
​From the above link:
​
"Interim Housing Solutions Strategy
We are moving forward with an Interim Housing Solutions strategy to address this challenging situation, using four key tools:
  • Expanding the Transitional Housing Program;
  • Expanding the Home-Based Support Program;
  • Expanding the Emergency Shelter Program; and
  • Permitting a temporary managed Hybrid Shelter/Outdoor Model.
In addition, we will create a Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, which will guide the Region’s work to prevent and end homelessness." 
​
You can find out more, offer input, or sign up for progress updates at engageWR.ca
​
Housing Stability System

​Lived Expertise Prototyping Project
​The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness - Social Development Centre Waterloo Region, August 11th 2023

Related media coverage
View more news coverage on this topic