Niagara Region highlights ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness on World Homeless Day 2023

October 10, 2023

Niagara Region is joining millions of people around the world in marking World Homeless Day on Oct. 10.

By recognizing World Homeless Day, the Region seeks to draw attention to the nearly 1,100 members of our community experiencing homelessness and need housing and support. At the same time, the Region is utilizing this opportunity to advocate for funding and policy changes that will help make a difference.

Niagara Region continues to tackle the homelessness crisis locally through street outreach, housing focused emergency shelters, as well as providing housing supports, and moving ahead on plans to build more affordable housing units.

The following are examples of important work currently underway:

1. Niagara's Housing and Homelessness Action Plan
   
   Is a coordinated approach by Niagara Region and its partners to address homelessness and provide affordable housing to meet identified local need.
    
2. Niagara Region's Pathway to Functional Zero strategy
   
   Niagara is one of 42 communities in Canada participating in a national initiative to end chronic and veteran homelessness using recognized best practices, collaboration with community partners and making improvements one step at a time.
    
3. Community Housing Master Plan
   
   Identifies the need to create 10,976 additional community housing units (497 units per year) from now until 2045. The Region continues to build new units including its recent work at 60 York St., Welland.

More information about services for people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless is available. 

Get quarterly updates on the work being done to address homelessness in Niagara by signing up for our Homelessness Services newsletter.

“World Homeless Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ending chronic homelessness in Niagara. With the help of our partners, Niagara Region continues to enhance supports for people seeking a way out of homelessness. This includes getting shovels into the ground to build more affordable housing because every person deserves a place to call home.”

Jim Bradley, Regional Chair

Media contact

Peter Criscione 
Niagara Region
289-668-7802
peter.criscione@niagararegion.ca