Item - 2020.EC18.8
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Economic and Community Development Committee on December 7, 2020 and was adopted with amendments.
EC18.8 - Toronto Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention in the Community Programs - Update
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Economic and Community Development Committee:
1. Requested the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2021, as part of the ongoing evaluation and redesign work on the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs, on the following issues:
a. accelerating, as a COVID-19 response enhancement, the ongoing work to improve the effectiveness of the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs;
b. consideration of further expanding the Toronto Rent Bank program eligibility criteria, transitioning from repayable loans to non-repayable grants, and focusing additional outreach to communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19;
c. expanding the list of designated Eviction Prevention in the Community program referral sources, targeted outreach campaigns, and undertaking a third-party external evaluation of the program; and
d. identification of any additional resources required.
Origin
Summary
In the context of COVID-19, when many households are facing economic uncertainty, eviction prevention programs are critical strategies to minimize the flow to people into homelessness. Eviction prevention is also identified in the City's HousingTO Action Plan as a key strategy in ensuring positive outcomes for households in Toronto and reducing pressure on the shelter system.
In alignment with the Interim Shelter Recovery and Infrastructure Implementation Plan, the City has already made a significant commitment to expanding supports for households at risk of eviction to prevent people from becoming homeless due to eviction during the pandemic. Over the past 6 months, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) has taken a number of steps to respond to emerging needs and pressures, including making additional program enhancements to help households facing economic uncertainty to maintain their housing during this time of crisis.
SSHA currently funds and delivers programs to help prevent evictions in Toronto, including the Toronto Rent Bank program and the Eviction Prevention in the Community program. These eviction prevention programs promote housing stability among low-income and vulnerable households across Toronto.
This report responds to City Council's request to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee on the feasibility of expanding the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs. This staff report outlines the current actions underway to expand access to the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs, as well as identifying additional options for the short- and medium-term to increase access to eviction prevention programs and services in Toronto for low-income and vulnerable households.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-158769.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ec/comm/communicationfile-124696.pdf
(December 7, 2020) Submission from Jonathan Robart, Right to Housing in Toronto (EC.New.EC18.8.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ec/comm/communicationfile-124718.pdf
(December 7, 2020) Letter from Kira Heineck, Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (EC.New.EC18.8.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ec/comm/communicationfile-124748.pdf
(December 4, 2020) E-mail from Khaleel Seivwright (EC.New.EC18.8.4)
Speakers
Annie Hodgins, Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation
Jonathan Robart, Right to Housing in Toronto
Melissa Goldstein
Motions
That:
1. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2021, as part of the ongoing evaluation and redesign work on the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs, on the following issues:
a. accelerating, as a COVID-19 response enhancement, the ongoing work to improve the effectiveness of the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs;
b. consideration of further expanding the Toronto Rent Bank program eligibility criteria, transitioning from repayable loans to non-repayable grants, and focusing additional outreach to communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19;
c. expanding the list of designated Eviction Prevention in the Community program referral sources, targeted outreach campaigns, and undertaking a third-party external evaluation of the program; and
d. identification of any additional resources required.