HOUSING PROVIDER FORUM WELCOME 2008
HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR DEBORAH FIRMIN
Faces & Places, Keeping Them Safe • Welcome & Introductions • Issues/Solutions & Chocolate • Information Packages
Agenda • Faces and Places – Keeping Them Safe • New Development • Home Ownership • NRH Web site • Applicants – Informed Choices • Ongoing Eligibility & the Arrears Data Base • Finances for Today & Tomorrow • BREAK – Visit the Information displays
Agenda • SHSC – Supporting the Sector • Fraud & Identity Theft • LUNCH • Partnering to Eliminate Domestic Violence • What to Expect in the Event of a Fire • Evaluations & Prizes
Bracelet Personality Test
GENERAL MANAGER LORA BECKWITH
Faces and Places of Affordable Housing Keeping Them Safe 2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan • The NRH Strategic Plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders • 4 Key Directions emerged: 1. Innovative affordable housing solutions 2. Environmentally responsive and sustainable communities 3. Strong partnerships with stakeholders 4. Adaptable service-delivery network
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #1 INNOVATIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Waiting List Continues to Grow • Over 8,000 people are on the affordable housing waiting list: – 35 % are seniors – 30 % are individuals between 16 and 54 years of age – 35 % are families • In the past five years, there has been a 5% increase in the number of households on the waiting list • Applicants can wait 1-8 years for accommodation depending on the location.
Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Affordable Housing Development • The Federal and Provincial governments have provided $16.5M for the development of 343 units of new affordable housing • 139 units have already been completed • 204 units are underway
Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Rent Supplement / Housing Allowance 100 Private Landlords offer 610 Rent Supplement Units
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #2 ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE & SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Environmentally Responsive & Sustainable Communities Energy Conservation • Building components are replaced upon life expiry with energy conservation in mind • Changing people’s habits is critical to success Limiting Thermostats are set at a maximum of 78 degrees Fahrenheit New steel doors with moveable window provide an air tight seal while allowing for ventilation and light
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #3 STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Community Partnerships From the Federal and Provincial Governments, development of new Municipalities, Regional Departments, Non-Profit and Co-operative Housing providers, Canadian housing units to the Mental Health Association, Community Cares, day-to-day Project Share, Developers, Anagram Premier, Housing Help Centres, Real Estate Board, enjoyment of those FACS, Women’s Place, Employment Services, units, the success of Homelessness Initiative Outreach Program. Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, affordable housing Credit Counselling of Niagara, Ontario March of is increasingly Dimes, YMCA Niagara, YWCA, Salvation Army, Community Services (Children and Senior), dependent on Public Health (Mental Health and Nutrition) Welland Heritage Council, Addiction Centre, partnerships Faith Groups, Hope Centre, Brain Injury Community Re-entry, etc.
Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Federal/Provincial Partners • Each year federal funding is lost as agreements end and mortgages are paid off. • The rent supplement programs are provided based on time- limited funding from the Federal/Provincial governments. • Ten years from now we will have lost funding for 149 units of rent supplement and the full 170 units under the housing allowance program. Or the equivalent of 319 units • NRH supports the Provincial in its efforts to bring the Federal government to the table
Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Niagara Region • In 2002, Niagara Region set up Niagara Regional Housing as an independent non-profit corporation to act as Service Manager on behalf of Niagara Region • Niagara Region is one of NRH’s closest partners and as such we are continually exploring opportunities to improve the delivery of services • Recently the NRH Board agreed to open the Operating Agreement with Niagara Region to include any operational efficiencies that might benefit our clients
Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Capital Investment There are currently over 7500 units of affordable housing in Niagara. Capital investment in this asset makes good business sense. • Building condition assessments confirm: – 18 properties will deplete their capital reserve funds within the next 5 years – Another 29 properties will be depleted by the year 2016 • NRH is reviewing financing options to assist housing providers
2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #4 ADAPTABLE SERVICE DELIVERY NETWORK
Adaptable Service Delivery Network • Key Objectives To put the appropriate supports in place that will assist NRH employees and the housing provider network in its work • Work Priorities – Provide one-stop resource/service information – Undertake training/education sessions as needed – Improve public perception of affordable housing
SUGAN MANNAVARAJAN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Wave 1 Projects: 1. 21 King Street, St. Catharines, On 2. 290 Oakdale Avenue , St. Catharines, On 3. Oakdale Landing Inc ., St. Catharines, On 4. Mainstream Gateway , St. Catharines, On 5. Capital Pines Inc., Thorold, On 6. MSANF Inc., Niagara Falls, On 7. Bethlehem Not for Profit , Niagara Falls, On 8. Community Living Port Colborne Wainfleet , Port Colborne, On
21 King Street, St. Catharines ON
290 Oakdale Avenue, St. Catharines ON
Oakdale Landing Inc., St. Catharines ON
Mainstream Gateway, St. Catharines ON
Capital Pines Inc., Thorold ON
MSANF Inc., Niagara Falls ON
Bethlehem Not for Profit, Niagara Falls ON
Community Living Port Colborne Wainfleet , Port Colborne, ON
HOUSING COORDINATOR BRENDA DODRIDGE
WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Niagara Regional Housing Delivery Plan: Phase 1 (May, 2007) Market rent paying tenants in NRH owed units/Rent Supplement units/Affordable housing waiting list Phase 2 (February 19, 2008) Market rent paying tenants in Non-Profits/Co-ops Phase 3 (April, 2008) March 31, 2009 – All funding General Public and unit allocations must be committed
WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Phase 1 Success Stories! As of April, 2008 the dream of owning a home has become a reality for a total of 8 households!! 4 Applicants 4 Tenants Niagara Allocation – 121 homes
WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Quotes from successful purchasers: “I have been renting for over 10 years. The best part about owning my own home is the investment I am making for my future.” “I would like to thank Niagara Regional Housing for all their help and support in making my dream come true.” “My daughter was so excited to pick out her own colour for her new room…. bright PINK!! PINK!! ”
QUESTIONS
WENDY THOMPSON RESOURCE UNIT MANAGER
Your new www.nrh.ca
What can you expect from the new NRH website? User-friendly information: • Definitions • Explanations • Clear language • Simple print
What can you expect from the new NRH website? Useful information: • About what you do • About what you need • About information and legislation related to affordable housing
New NRH Web will include the following for housing providers….. • Waitlist information • Descriptions of communities • Listing of housing providers • Forms/documents • Notices • Housing Provider Newsletter • Training Information • Best Practices (ex. asset management, energy conservation) • FACT Sheet
What do Housing Providers want from the NRH website? • Think about how you use the NRH website • What information is important to you? • How would you like to use the NRH website? • Let your Housing Administrator know your ideas
QUESTIONS
JEANETTE MCKAY HOUSING ACCESS SUPERVISOR
NEW APPLICATION • Draft Application • Changes • Questionnaire • Circulation in Summer/Fall 2008
HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR LIZ BRILLINGER
ONGOING ELIGIBILITY Eligibility must be reviewed at least once in every 12 month period • Household Income • Legal Status in Canada • Age Requirement • Live Independently • Homeowner • Modified Units • Pursuit of Income • Occupancy Standards • Arrears to another Affordable Housing Provider
Household Income • Full disclosure of all income and assets • Must include all appropriate supporting documents Legal Status in Canada • Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada • Refugee claimant - need to confirm current status and that no removal order is in place
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