THUNDER BAY – The housing and support service system in the District of Thunder Bay, while working well for some, appears to be falling short for our most vulnerable citizens. That is one of the findings of a proposed new housing strategy for the District entitled Under One Roof. The study, commissioned by The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB), proposes three strategic directions to better meet the housing and related support needs for all residents:
• Ensuring an adequate supply of affordable and subsidized housing for current and future residents;
• Streamlining social housing service delivery; and
• Moving toward a one-window model for accessing housing and supports.
“This report is an essential step in ensuring we work toward a responsive system of housing and support services that put people first,” said TBDSSAB Chair Iain Angus. “By understanding the District’s housing supply and demand patterns and the expressed needs of our residents, we can better address those needs now and plan for them into the future.”
A wide cross-section of stakeholders were consulted for the report, including housing providers, community and health service agencies, municipal and provincial representatives, and Aboriginal, homelessness, and disability advocates. Those stakeholders have been invited to a second phase of consultations on January 25th to collect feedback on the draft strategy. Consultations with District communities are being planned for February.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the report and provide input by visiting TBDSSAB’s website, www.tbdssab.on.ca.
The deadline to provide comments is February 28, 2011. The final report will be presented to the Board of TBDSSAB for approval in the Spring of 2011.
“We want to make sure we get this right,” notes TBDSSAB Vice-Chair Robert Katajamaki. “TBDSSAB recognizes the fundamental importance of housing as a determinant of health and well-being. We must ensure that we manage and maintain a well-functioning housing system to support people regardless of what life throws at them.”