Committee proposes $1M rent bank for tenants at risk of losing housing due to COVID-19

Hamilton's Emergency and Community Services Committee has proposed a $1 million program that will helprepair social housing and support tenants who are at risk of losing their homes.

The "Rent Ready" program was one of several housing-focused initiatives raised by the committee during its meeting Thursday.

It would split a maximum of$1 million in surplus funds between arent bank fortenants struggling to hold on to housing in 2021 because of the pandemic andrapid social housing repairs.

Other proposalsoutlined in a media release from the city includerent supplements for an Indwell Community Homes project on East Avenue North to create "deeply affordable" units and more than $1 million in municipal investment toward a partnership that will support 30-40 Kiwanis Homes to social housing tenants.

The committee is also recommending that $950,000 be referred to the 2021 operating budget to support the operating costs of an emergency shelter for women, transgender peopleand non-binary adults be considered.

Each of the reports will go before council on Dec. 16 for ratification.

Housing has been a hot button issue in Hamilton in recent weeks as demonstrators calling for police to be defundedso that money couldbe invested into free housing instead camped outside city hall for 15 days.

Asked about funding for free housing during an announcement about $999,000 being invested intothe Griffin House Friday, Mayor Fred Eisenbergersaid"affordable housing is something the city continues to focus on.

"In Hamilton over the last six years we've spent, on average about $120 million for affordable housing and shelters and homelessness," he said.

The mayor said there's "not shortage of investment," but noted "more is required," pointing to the federal government'snational housing strategy.

FilomenaTassi, the MP for Hamilton WestAncasterDundas, waspresent for the announcement and acknowledgedthat COVID-19has revealed inequities and issues that have to be addressed.

"Housing should be a top priority," she said.

Flamborough-GlanbrookMPP Donna Skellyalso raised the fact that the provincial government announced Thursday that it was investing $47 million towardhousing for people with severe mental health and addictions challenges who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Eisenberger said Hamilton anticipates being able to tap into that funding to help provide a place to stayfor people who can be difficult to house.

Skelly also announced $6,395,900 in social services relieffunding for the city on Friday.

The money can be used to protect homeless shelter residents and staff and renovate or purchase shelter spaces as well as create longer-term housing.

"Our government is responding to the ongoing needs of COVID-19 by providing more flexible funding to keep our vulnerable citizens safe," the MPP stated in a media release.

"We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having a place to call home, and this additional funding will help ensure everyone can find and keep a safe and secure roof over their head.