Community Services and Housing provides financial, employment and social support programs and services to York Region residents. These human services – services that help people – support the needs of our residents. They preserve and enhance our social and economic well-being, strengthen our communities and build our quality of life.

Over the past several years, the province has transferred a number of social programs to Ontario’s municipalities. In 2001 York Region took over the management of social housing from the province. Step by step a smooth and relatively seamless transition was achieved. In step one York Region assumed responsibility for the York Regional Housing Corporation. In step two, the Province transferred responsibilities for non-profit and provincial co-operative housing to the Community Services and Housing Department.

In 2001 York Region began developing its Housing Supply Strategy. The goal is to create affordable housing choices for all of our citizens. The waiting list for non-profit housing is almost 5,000 households. Without adequate housing, our citizens and our communities suffer.

A Housing Supply Forum in November brought together key stakeholders to address housing issues. Community input from developers, politicians, academics and businesses will help steer York Region’s new housing directions.

A number of actions will come out of the Housing Supply Strategy. York Region is considering a Home Ownership Demonstration Project, more rental housing units and more units in our non-profit housing sector. York Region continues to encourage the building industry to develop innovative affordable housing for its residents.

In 2001 York Region developed its Regional Child Care Plan. It covers a three-year period and addresses the many children’s services issues that are managed by Community Services and Housing. It helps determine the appropriate services needed to care for these young children.

In 2001 children who needed social assistance were given the chance to go to summer camp. After a successful year, the program was extended to Ontario Works participants from all the municipalities in the region. This program encourages children to learn in a fun, interactive and social environment.

In 2000 York Region’s Homelessness Task Force created long-term strategies to address homelessness. This detailed final report expressed significant concern about homelessness among youth. In November 2001 the first Youth Summit was held to address some of these concerns. The event brought together young and old to explore region-wide strategies and address youth homelessness.

Homelessness is more than an individual issue. It’s a community issue. The federal government has allotted $623, 000 each year for three years to communities in York Region. In 2001 Community Services and Housing worked with Ottawa to develop a plan to reduce and prevent homelessness in York Region. Along with input from the Human Services Strategy, stakeholders across York Region were invited to take a closer look at the plan. By the end of 2001 York Region received federal authority to carry out many of its community projects.

Technology can help broaden the scope of community services and access to them. In 2001, the Social Assistance Division introduced the first phase of the new province-wide system to manage Ontario Works in York Region. The system is comprised of a two step intake process that enables clients to apply for assistance by phone, followed up by a face to face meeting with York Region Ontario Works staff. Participants also have access to their up-to-date case and program information through an interactive telephone inquiry system.

“I just wanted to take this opportunity again to say many, many thanks for your patience, help and guidance in steering me throughout my difficult and trying times.”

Yours sincerely,

former Ontario Works recipient