Homelessness in Caledon and Peel

At the end of June in this blog I spoke about my involvement with Caledon Community Services and the Homelessness Partnership Strategy (CHPS) committee that was formed in April of last year - and met throughout the year.  This committee undertook 3 tasks in relation to the issue of homelessness:

• Organize a public Forum to engage the community around the issues related to homelessness;
• Research and implement an on-line Housing Registry of affordable homes, apartments available in Caledon;
• Conduct some research / inquiry on the issues and experience of homelessness in Caledon. 

These tasks having been completed, the CHPS committee is not "done" as it were.  We need to continue to work on the issue of homelessness in our community - especially at this point - so that it does not become an issue like Brampton or Mississauga. 


As a result of my Involvement with CHPS, I was asked to consider being on the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for the Region of Peel.  (You soon get used to all kinds of acronyms in these governmental organizations!)  I accepted and was accepted!
The CAB, composed of 10 individuals who are resident in the 3 areas within Peel (Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon), advises the Region of Peel Council on how to spend the Government of Canada Homelessness Partnership Strategy grants for 2011 - 2014. After a call for applications went out in May and June (delayed a few weeks by the Federal Election), a total of 31 applications were received by the deadline at the end of July. 

The entire amount of the Government of Canada grant money is $3 million for Peel Region over the 3 years: 2011 -2014.
Now I am reading over 31 applications - a binder and a half of reading... and each week there are 2 meetings where we review and discuss 5-6 applications.  It is a daunting task - but it is made easier by the input of the expertise of the Regional staff who support the board and the other members of the board - who generally have very strong experience in dealing homeless people and those who are precariously housed.
Pray for me!