Peel accepting proposals to reduce homelessness in Mississauga and Brampton

Peel Region is all ears when it comes to new ideas for reducing homelessness.

The Region is currently accepting proposals for “innovative projects” that aim to prevent and reduce homelessness in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

“Proposals are being accepted until August 31 from operating and capital projects which focus on activities that ensure people experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless can stabilize their circumstances and work towards finding and maintaining affordable housing,” the Region said on Monday.

Priority will be given to agencies supporting the under-serviced areas of Port Credit, Malton, Cooksville and Caledon, as well as to applicants believed to be working from an anti-racism and anti-oppression framework.

Proposals are reviewed by the Reaching Home Community Advisory Board, a local organizing committee of volunteers supported by Region of Peel and Employment and Social Development Canada staff.

Aileen Baird, Director of Housing Services, says Peel alone can’t solve the affordable housing problem.

“We need the support of all levels of government, and we must also work with community partners,” said Baird.

“That’s where the Reaching Home program comes in. This funding goes to community agencies who work closely with people experiencing homelessness. It has funded some excellent projects in previous years.”

Earlier this year, housing advocacy group More Neighbours Toronto accused Mississauga of contributing to Ontario’s housing crisis.

The accusation came after the city provided a “report card” in which it rejected 29 of the 62 recommendations made by the province’s Housing Affordability Task Force.

“The City’s arguments mostly boil down to the preservation of local control at all costs, and the prioritization of the wants of existing residents over the needs of future residents,” said the group. “Such policies are rooted in exclusion and continue to serve that purpose, intentionally or otherwise, even today.”

The federally funded Reaching Home program has allocated Peel Region more than $40 million from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024.

This year, Peel says there is no maximum amount of funding projects can request in their proposals. As a result, it’s possible fewer projects will be funded than in previous years.

Applications can be submitted at Peel’s website.