Community Outreach Underway to Assess the District’s Housing and Homelessness Needs

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), in partnership with key community partners, is updating its Housing and Homelessness plan to assess the district’s community housing and homelessness needs. With the support of OrgCode Consulting Inc., a leading firm in homelessness and housing solutions, this vital research will gather key insights and data to shape the future of its Community Housing and Homelessness programs in Timiskaming.

This initiative is a crucial component of DTSSAB's Housing and Homelessness Plan, as required by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The plan must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current needs and conditions.

 As the Service Manager for Community Housing and Homelessness, DTSSAB is committed to creating a sustainable, integrated, affordable housing system. This initiative involves collaboration with local municipalities, levels of government, private developers, non-profit housing providers, community agencies, local businesses, and residents. Key partners include the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Salvation Army, Hope Haven, Zack’s Crib, and Pavilion.

The project will be conducted in three phases:

1.    Deepening the Understanding of the Current State;
2.   Consultations on the Desired Future State;
3.   Development of Updated Housing and Homeless Plan;

Community Consultations: To ensure the plan reflects the community's voice and values, consultations will be held:

North Timiskaming: Tuesday, July 30th at 6:00 PM at the Salvation Army. (6 Sylvanite Street, Kirkland Lake)

South Timiskaming: Wednesday, July 31st at 1:30 PM at the Salvation Army. (206 Whitewood Avenue W, New Liskeard)

If a member of the community wishes to attend, please contact communications@dtssab.com. Virtual attendance will also be available. 

DTSSAB Acknowledges National Housing Day and Two-Year Anniversary of By Name List Launch

As National Housing Day approaches on November 22nd, The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is proud to join the nation in acknowledging this significant day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe and affordable housing for all.

This National Housing Day marks a special milestone for DTSSAB as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of the By Name List. This innovative tool has proven to be a crucial asset in our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in our district. The By Name List facilitates collaboration among community partners, allowing for the seamless sharing of data to identify individuals at risk or currently experiencing homelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that those in need receive timely and targeted support from a network of dedicated service providers.

Since its launch two years ago, the By Name List has played a pivotal role in improving the coordination and effectiveness of our efforts to assist individuals facing housing challenges, assisting over 101 community members. The tool has not only enhanced communication among service providers but has also helped streamline the process of connecting vulnerable individuals with the appropriate support services.

The DTSSAB invites the community to join us in celebrating National Housing Day and recognizing the positive impact of the By Name List on our collective efforts to combat homelessness. As we reflect on the progress made over the past two years, we acknowledge the resilience of those we serve and express our gratitude to our dedicated partners and supporters who have contributed to the success of this initiative.

For more information about DTSSAB and our housing-related services, please visit www.dtssab.com/housing-services.

For media inquiries, please contact:
communications@dtssab.com

No Injuries Resulting from Fire at 30 9th Ave.

In the mid-afternoon of May 25th, 2022, there was a minor fire at 30 9th Avenue, a 10-unit building in Englehart, Ontario. The cause of the fire was determined to be a result of work being conducted in the building by an external contractor. The safety measures in the building were efficiently implemented with all tenants being evacuated safely and the local fire department attending the building.

The fire was quickly controlled and then extinguished. The building was cleared by Englehart and Area Fire Chief in the early evening, permitting all tenants to re-enter their units through their external access doors. At the present it was determined that the damage was restricted to the central building and did not affect the tenant's units.

The Housing Services Management will be following up with restoration contractors to begin repairing the damages later this week.

The DTSSAB is thankful for the cooperation of the tenants of the building and the assistance of the Englehart and Area Fire Department.

The DTSSAB Launches By-Name List

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Board is launching the Timiskaming By-Name List in conjunction with National Housing Day on November 22, 2021. The By-Name list is an essential tool for ending homelessness in our communities. It can help connect people to services and can create a foundation for better service coordination. The list provides a more consistent approach for assessment and referral protocols to make sure clients are being matched to the services they need.

The intention behind the By-Name List is to use and share data and information more effectively to achieve the best outcomes for local individuals experiencing homelessness. The By-Name List will collect data on consenting individuals experiencing homelessness across the entire district of Timiskaming to help connect with local supports and community partners.

The need for the By-Name list was highlighted through the results of the Timiskaming Counts 2021 Homeless Enumeration. An infographic outlining the results of the Enumeration are attached.

The Ontario government believes that everyone deserves a place to call home and provides funding to support housing and homelessness programs in our district. The Province also believes that achieving alignment throughout the Province is the best path forward to establishing a comprehensive and effective approach for addressing homelessness. One method of achieving alignment is through the creation of a the provincially mandated By-Name List.

For more information contact:

Lyne Labelle - labellel@dtssab.com

Homelessness Count Underway Across the District of Timiskaming

The issue of homelessness has been gaining attention in the District of Timiskaming and across the Province of Ontario. The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), in partnership with several service agencies in our communities, is conducting a count of individuals experiencing homelessness over one week, between September 12th and September 18th.

This count is part of a province-wide effort to gain a better understanding of homelessness in communities across the province. This count will allow not only the DTSSAB, but all service agencies across the district, to be able to learn more about, and respond to, the issue of homelessness in the District of Timiskaming. The requirements for the 2021 Homeless Enumeration introduce more consistency in methodology so that the data can be used to provide point-in-time snapshots of homelessness across the District of Timiskaming.

The method being used to collect the information is known as a Point in Time (PIT) Count that identifies the number of people experiencing homelessness on a specific night, for a single point in time. In addition to the PIT count, a registry week will be conducted surveying individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the Enumeration week of September 12th to September 18th.

Surveys will be available at agencies across the district where respondents will be offered a pre-survey asking, “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

Anyone not sleeping in their own house or apartment will have the opportunity to complete the survey, in addition to those whose current housing feels unsafe or are one unexpected bill away from homelessness. The survey is voluntary, confidential and respondents will receive a gift card to local stores, as well as a bag of personal care items.

The survey is designed not to be a simple headcount of homelessness, but to dig deeper in understanding patterns and reasons why. The results will help us plan services to meet the needs of the community. The homelessness count will take place province-wide every two years and results will be made publicly available in the months following the count. Individuals or families who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness are encouraged to visit the DTSSAB at 290 Armstrong Street in New Liskeard or 29 Duncan Avenue N. in Kirkland Lake.

For further information please visit www.dtssab.com or by phone at (888)-544-5555 x 3247 to learn what supports may be available.

Housing Services online applications are now available

The DTSSAB’s Housing Services Program is pleased to announce that Online Applications are now available at https://www.dtssab.com/hs-apply-for-housing

• Online Application is available 24 hrs./day

• You will need a valid current email and to create a personalized account

• You will be asked to upload eligibility documents based on your application

• You submit your application online when complete

• You can check the status of your application through your account

• We will contact you through your account/email