The Sunshine Coast Community Services Society as part of the Homelessness Outreach Project (HOP) pilot project has recently completed a Needs and Strengths Assessment for the Sunshine Coast, and will present the findings of this report, with a range of other housing information at a Community Housing Forum on Nov. 19.
Guest speakers from local government, the Ministry of Housing and Social Development and community organizations will present on a range of housing issues on the Sunshine Coast. The forum will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Roberts Creek Community Hall.
The Needs and Strengths Assessment is a review of available housing, services and government policies that impact housing and homelessness here on the Coast.
A project consultant reviewed a range of available literature on changing community demographics, examining the impact of rising housing costs and higher average incomes on the availability of affordable housing. The evidence indicates that homelessness is becoming an increasing issue, and the risk of homelessness has increased significantly in the last 10 years, with greater numbers of individuals and families in substandard housing situations.
The consultant also interviewed a range of key stakeholders to find out how local governments, community organizations and government service providers are responding to greater housing pressures, and identify areas for future action.
The HOP project team is also responsible for service delivery, including outreach services to homeless youth and adults on an ongoing basis. The project team is helping identify and/or create emergency and short-term housing options, and support individuals in finding long-term housing.
This project is made possible through a grant from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
For more information contact Matt Thomson at [email protected].
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