Minutes of the Men's Homelessness Committee

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Electronic Participation
Members Present:
  • Sandy Brown
  • Debbie Sherwood
  • Joe Andrews
  • Anthony Carnovale
  • Christopher Sheehan
  • James Jackson
  • Margo Young
  • Michael Demczur
  • Nolan Bentley
  • Terrance Carter
Members Absent:
  • Louis Sapi
Staff Present:
  • Andrea Shaw

1.
Call to Order
 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Chair, Mayor Brown.

2.
Disclosures of (Direct or Indirect) Pecuniary Interest
 

None Stated.

3.
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
This item has attachments. 

1.Post-Meeting Minutes - Men's Homelessness Committee_Sep08_2021 - English.pdf
  • Recommendation:September 8, 2021
    Moved byJames Jackson

    That the minutes of the following meeting are approved: 

    Carried

4.
Presentations
 

4.1
Darla Fraser, Chief Librarian, Town of Orangeville 
 

The committee welcomed Ms. Darla Fraser, Chief Librarian with the Town of Orangeville.  Ms. Fraser presented the library's equity diversity and inclusion policy to assist everyone and therefore the resources and assistance at the library is available to everyone.  The Library offers assistance with resumes, job applications, tech help, and eResources.  The librarian guide to homelessness provides best practices and procedures to assist the homeless.  The Town of Orangeville library is willing to assist any Shelter administration with resources.  Free Wifi access is available at the library and in the downtown core.     

4.2
Carol Barber, Housing Program Manager, County of Dufferin
 

The committee welcomed Ms. Carol Barber, Housing Program Manager at the County of Dufferin.  Ms. Barber gave a summary of the many housing programs that Dufferin County offers, such as County operated rental properties, co-ops and non-profits, housing allowance and initiatives.  The County has a card voucher system for hotel stays that was launched in November.  Over 3,000 vouchers have been given out within the downtown BIA, OPP Library, Churches and Hospitals.  They may give this card out to someone in need of shelter.
Discussions ensued surrounding County's assistance in funding Choices Shelter.  Choices Shelter is required to submit a formal application and business plan for funding consideration.       

5.
Items for Discussion and Reports
 

5.1
Sub-Committees Updates
 

5.1.1
Funding & External Liaisons
 

The committee was advised that Mayor Brown reached out to the Lighthouse Shelter in Orillia for information on their CMHC grant application.  The Town of Orangeville staff recommend receiving assistance from a third-party grant writer for assistance of a grant application of this magnitude when ready.   Lions Club is organizing a radio bingo that will support the Men's Homelessness shelter. 

5.1.1.1
Farmer's Market Fundraising for Choices Shelter Update
 

Co-Chair, Councillor Sherwood advised the committee that permisison was received by the BIA to attend every Saturday's Farmers Market for the donation collection.  Within two days, upwards of $400 have been collected for Choices Shelter.  A lot of community is in support of the men's homelessness program and initiatives.  Sub-committee members have been requested to assist in manning the donation collection table over the next following weekends.  

5.1.2
Real Estate
 

The committee received an update on the sub-committees discussions from their research and planning meeting.  The committee discussed the long-term needs of a shelter and the tiny house options.  An update from Mayor Brown's meeting with Mr. Narine of Choices Shelter will be provided in an update email to the members. 

5.2
University of Guelph Needs Assessment Update
 

The University of Guelph Needs Assessment community and service provider survey is open September 17 to October 1.  Flyer and news release are being distributed.  

5.3
Committee Workplan
This item has attachments. 

1.2021 Men's Homelessness Committee Workplan_acc.pdf

The committee workplan was presented to the committee.  Additional details and delegation of tasks will continue to be added as the workplan is a fluid document. 

5.4
Report to Council for Shelter Funding Assistance
 

Mayor Brown advised the committee that he has put forth a notice of motion for the September 22 Council meeting that will request the short-term funds required by Choices shelter to continue operations of the Men's Homelessness program until Spring of 2022.  Further updates will be emailed to the committee members with the specific motion wording. 

6.
Correspondence
 

7.
New Business
 

None Stated.

8.
Date of Next Meeting
 

9.
Adjournment
 

  • Recommendation:
    Moved byAnthony Carnovale

    The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

    Carried
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