National Housing Day event celebrates frontline staff and services

HAMILTON, ON – Today, the City of Hamilton’s Housing Services Division hosted the 2019 National Housing Day event at City Hall. This year’s theme, Housing from the Frontline, brought together community partners, policy makers, developers, support providers, front line workers and advocates to celebrate the impact of front line staff in the affordable housing field and recognize the lives changed through their work.

The event included a panel discussion that highlighted impact stories and the great work being done on the front lines. The panel was moderated by Larry Huibers, Executive Director, Hamilton Housing Help Centre, alongside Jaclyn Smith, Manager, Outreach Programs for Women and Children, Mission Services of Hamilton; Katharine Kalinowski, Chief Operating Officer, Good Shepherd; and Danielle Blake, Supervisor, Housing Services Division, City of Hamilton.

A market report was also presented by the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) on housing related data highlighting trends in the current market and affordable housing status.

“Ensuring that all members of our community have access to affordable, safe, and secure housing is an important priority for the City of Hamilton and all members of Council. It is well documented that having a place to call home creates better opportunities and outcomes for all members of our community. The City of Hamilton is committed to achieving this goal, and today’s National Housing Day event highlights and underscores our ongoing commitment to pursuing equal access to housing for all Hamiltonians.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Quick facts

• 15 per cent of all households in Hamilton (representing nearly 31,000 individuals) are considered in core housing need - meaning they live in a home that is too small or too costly - and spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing-related expenses.
• The City’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan (HHAP) was launched in December 2013 to address the full need for housing and related services in Hamilton.
• Following a Five-Year Review process and community consultations, an updated version of the HHAP was developed to guide strategic change in Hamilton’s housing and homelessness system; this version will available in early 2020.
• Recognized officially in 2000, National Housing Day (November 22) provides communities across Canada with the opportunity to reflect on the country’s affordable housing needs and to work towards finding innovative solutions for housing and homelessness issues.
• Hamilton’s National Housing Day event was supported in partnership with CMHC, Hamilton-Burlington Realtors Association, Alectra Utilities and Union Gas.

“The stories shared today highlight the incredible work being done on the front lines to help individuals with their housing needs. By engaging our partners and working together with the community, we can continue to break down the systemic barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing in our City.” - Edward John, Director, Housing Services

Additional resources

• Housing and Homelessness Action Plan
• Video: Housing from the Frontlines