Local officials are continuing to have conversations around ending chronic homelessness and housing loss prevention in the West Parry Sound District.
The District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board hosted municipal leaders, staff and community partners in Magnetawan on April 23 for an event titled “The Path Forward: DSSAB’s Approach to Housing Loss Prevention and Encampments.”
According to officials, the event brought together DSSAB staff and representatives from the 22 municipalities across the District of Parry Sound served by the organization. The focus was to share information, strengthen partnerships, and support a coordinated understanding of prevention-focused approaches to housing instability and homelessness.
The event featured an overview of DSSAB’s new Housing Loss Prevention and Encampment Response Strategy. Participants received practical guidance on how municipal staff can work with DSSAB to support people at risk of housing loss or experiencing homelessness in their communities. They also heard from local individuals who have experienced homelessness.
“Hearing directly from people who’ve experienced homelessness locally was one of the most important parts of the day,” said Jason Inwood, CAO of Seguin Township. “Their voices helped challenge bias and stigma and gave insight into the work already underway at DSSAB to tackle homelessness here at the local level.”
Officials said the event also created an opportunity for discussion, shared learning and relationship-building among municipal and community partners, with participation from municipal CAO’s, members of council, and staff involved in community safety and bylaw.
“Strong local partnerships are essential to helping people stay housing and improving outcomes across the District,” said Rick Zanussi, Chair of the DSSAB. “Addressing homelessness and housing instability takes shared commitment, so it was great to see municipalities from across the District come together to share the needs and realities of their individual communities”
DSSAB officials said that work will continue, as their goal is to end chronic homelessness in the District of Parry Sound this year.
