Toronto Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention in the Community Programs - Update

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The decision

2020-12-07 · Economic and Community Development Committee · amended

As filed

The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2021, as part of the ongoing evaluation and redesign work on the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs, on the following issues: a. accelerating, as a COVID-19 response enhancement, the ongoing work to improve the effectiveness of the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs; b.

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consideration of further expanding the Toronto Rent Bank program eligibility criteria, transitioning from repayable loans to non-repayable grants, and focusing additional outreach to communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19; c. expanding the list of designated Eviction Prevention in the Community program referral sources, targeted outreach campaigns, and undertaking a third-party external evaluation of the program; and d. identification of any additional resources required.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

In the context of COVID-19, when many households are facing economic uncertainty, eviction prevention programs are critical strategies to minimize the flow to people into homelessness. Eviction prevention is also identified in the City's HousingTO Action Plan as a key strategy in ensuring positive outcomes for households in Toronto and reducing pressure on the shelter system. In alignment with the Interim Shelter Recovery and Infrastructure Implementation Plan, the City has already made a significant commitment to expanding supports for households at risk of eviction to prevent people from becoming homeless due to eviction during the pandemic.

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Over the past 6 months, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) has taken a number of steps to respond to emerging needs and pressures, including making additional program enhancements to help households facing economic uncertainty to maintain their housing during this time of crisis. SSHA currently funds and delivers programs to help prevent evictions in Toronto, including the Toronto Rent Bank program and the Eviction Prevention in the Community program. These eviction prevention programs promote housing stability among low-income and vulnerable households across Toronto. This report responds to City Council's request to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee on the feasibility of expanding the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs. This staff report outlines the current actions underway to expand access to the Toronto Rent Bank and the Eviction Prevention in the Community programs, as well as identifying additional options for the short- and medium-term to increase access to eviction prevention programs and services in Toronto for low-income and vulnerable households.

Staff recommended

The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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