Homelessness Service System Plan
York Region, together with our partners, is working to address the challenge of homelessness in our community
2024 to 2027 York Region Homelessness Service System Plan identifies a vision, goals and priority areas to prevent and reduce homelessness in York Region.
Guided by the aspirational goals of Ending Chronic Homelessness and Strengthening the Region’s Human-Rights Based Approach to Addressing Homelessness, the System Plan is centred around four priority areas:
- Enhancing Prevention and Diversion services that help people stay housed
- Delivering Intervention and Housing Stability supports that meet the needs for safety, shelter and food of people who experience homelessness
- Building a Systems Response, working collaboratively with partners across the homelessness service system to connect people to appropriate and effective supports
- Strengthening York Region’s Advocacy and Engagement with other levels of government to address service system gaps, in partnership with the community
The Homelessness Service System Plan (System Plan) will set out a comprehensive and evidence-informed plan for actions the Region will take to achieve these goals and priorities, working with the federal, provincial and local municipal governments, community-based agencies, and many other partners to ensure that if and when it occurs – homelessness is a rare, brief and non-recurring event.
The System Plan responds to the immediate and long-term needs of residents experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, including exploring the creation of more emergency, transitional and longer-term housing options. The System Plan is informed by research, data, and engagement with local municipalities, community agencies, and people with lived experience. It is a key component of the Region’s next 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan
Rapid Deployment Actions will immediately address the increase in homelessness in York Region and move the priorities of the System Plan forward. The Region has committed to add emergency and transitional housing beds, increase the number of Outreach Workers who support people living in encampments and expand hours of service, and increase capacity in programs that support people who are experiencing chronic homelessness, starting in Summer 2024.
Our Story
Many people across Canada struggle to afford a place to call home. Often, homelessness is the result of many factors. In this video, you will hear from a few individuals who share their stories of the circumstances that led them to experience homelessness and the supports they received through York Region and local service providers to find stable housing and gain a fresh start.
If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness, please contact the York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140. This phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. For more information on available supports, please call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit york.ca/EmergencyHousing
Supports for Residents at Risk of or Experiencing Homelessness
Under the provincial Housing Services Act, 2011, York region provides homelessness services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Region is committed to supporting residents to find and keep housing, and offers a wide range of services and supports for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including:
- Financial assistance for rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other housing costs to prevent homelessness
- Outreach services and supports
- Cold weather and heat relief supports
- Assistance with primary care, mental health and substance use supports
- Working with community partners to provide emergency and transitional housing
Related Resources
- 2024 to 2027 York Region Homelessness Service System Plan
- Special Council Meeting (November 23, 2023)
- November 23, 2023 memo to York Regional Council
To learn more about the proposed Homelessness Service System Plan, please watch the Special Council Meeting, and check out the November 23, 2023 memo to York Regional Council.