Item - 2016.CD16.6
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on December 13, 2016 without amendments.
- This item was considered by Community Development and Recreation Committee on November 29, 2016 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on December 13, 2016.
CD16.6 - Update on the Delivery of the Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF)
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on December 13, 14 and 15, 2016, adopted the following:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services to revise the Housing Stabilization Fund eligibility policies to:
a. eliminate the requirement for a separate income test to establish eligibility for the Fund;
b. change the criteria for the replacement of furniture as a result of bed bug infestations to include soft furniture in addition to beds; and
c. implement flat rates for the issuances of essential furniture and moving costs.
2. City Council request the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer to consider making a one-time contribution of up to $3.8 million from the 2016 year-end surplus in accordance with the City's Surplus Management Policy to the Housing Stabilization Reserve (XQ1112) to provide funding for time-limited housing allowances in accordance with the criteria set out by Council for this reserve.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-98383.pdf
Background Information (City Council)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-99168.pdf
Communications (Committee)
Motions (City Council)
City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee in the fourth quarter of 2017 with details on the efficiencies realized, or additional costs incurred, as a result of the policy change to allow flat rates for the issuance of essential furniture and moving costs.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Dec-15-2016 7:12 PM
| Result: Lost | Majority Required - CD16.6 - Holyday - motion 1 |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 9 | Members that voted Yes are Glenn De Baeremaeker, Justin J. Di Ciano, Michael Ford, Stephen Holyday, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Jaye Robinson, John Tory |
| Total members that voted No: 21 | Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Jon Burnside, John Campbell, Josh Colle, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Jim Karygiannis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, David Shiner, Michael Thompson |
| Total members that were Absent: 14 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Christin Carmichael Greb, Shelley Carroll, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, John Filion, Mark Grimes, Michelle Holland, Giorgio Mammoliti, Ron Moeser, James Pasternak, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
Vote (Adopt Item) Dec-15-2016 7:14 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - CD16.6 - Adopt the item |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 30 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Jon Burnside, John Campbell, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Justin J. Di Ciano, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mary Fragedakis, Stephen Holyday, Jim Karygiannis, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Josh Matlow, Pam McConnell, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Michael Thompson, John Tory |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 14 | Members that were absent are Maria Augimeri, Christin Carmichael Greb, Shelley Carroll, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, Vincent Crisanti, Janet Davis, John Filion, Mark Grimes, Michelle Holland, Giorgio Mammoliti, Ron Moeser, James Pasternak, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
CD16.6 - Update on the Delivery of the Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF)
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services to revise the Housing Stabilization Fund eligibility policies to:
a. Eliminate the requirement for a separate income test to establish eligibility for the Fund;
b. Change the criteria for the replacement of furniture as a result of bed bug infestations to include soft furniture in addition to beds; and
c. Implement flat rates for the issuances of essential furniture and moving costs.
2. City Council request the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer to consider making a one-time contribution of up to $3.8 million from the 2016 year-end surplus in accordance with the City's Surplus Management Policy to the Housing Stabilization Reserve (XQ1112) to provide funding for time-limited housing allowances in accordance with the criteria set out by Council for this reserve.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Community Development and Recreation Committee:
1. Requested the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services to report directly to City Council at its next meeting, clarifying current criteria and expanding eligibility criteria for clients accessing the Housing Stabilization Fund.
Origin
Summary
This report provides an update on the utilization and delivery of the Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF) in 2015. The report also responds to emerging issues raised by clients, advocacy groups and community organizations, identifying key policy changes that will be made to the Housing Stabilization Fund to make it more accessible, to streamline eligibility, reduce administrative complexity and increase transparency.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-98383.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Rajesh Pisharody, Income and Community Liaison, Toronto People with Aids Foundation
Mayoori Malankov, Student-at-Law, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario SALCO
Cole Webber, Parkdale Community Legal Services
A.J. Withers
John Clarke and Gina LeFave
Yogi Acharya, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty
Emily Daigle
Councillor Janet Davis
Motions
That:
1. The General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services report directly to City Council at its next meeting, clarifying current criteria and expanding eligibility criteria for clients accessing the Housing Stabilization Fund.
That:
1. Recommendation 2 be amended to include the words "one-time" before the word "contribution" so that it now reads:
2. City Council request the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer to consider making a one-time contribution of up to $3.8 million from the 2016 year-end surplus in accordance with the City's Surplus Management Policy to the Housing Stabilization Reserve (XQ1112) to provide funding for time-limited housing allowances in accordance with the criteria set out by Council for this reserve.