Huron County Council received a report on the county’s efforts to mitigate homelessness.
Housing Services Manager Jayme Koskamp shared the details, along with a 10-year review at Wednesday’s council meeting.
“Our timeline for achievement is impressive,” said Koskamp. “From the establishment of our steering committee in 2014, to the launch of coordinated access in 2024, every year has added new systems, new partnerships, and new hope.”
The Housing Services team is working with around 30 community partners, including the OPP, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the United Way, and Huron-Perth Public Health. They’ve also been working with every level of government to advocate for funding and policy changes that would help with local solutions.
Koskamp says that they’ve been working on a coordinated access system, to ensure those who are experiencing homelessness aren’t left behind. The system is meant to ensure that resources also get distributed fairly.
She says that the team has also working on a data-centric by-name list, which tracks real-time information on homelessness in the county.
From April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025, 161 households entered the by-name list. Of those names:
– 72 households were experiencing chronic homelessness
– 61 households exited the system to housing
– 10 households returned to homelessness
– 30 households lost touch with the county
Koskamp says that being able to share the information also lets taxpayers know that it’s a constant battle to make sure that everyone is able to access safe, affordable housing, adding “This shows us both our successes, and the work ahead.”
She explained that as the county continues to advocate for new policies and funding, they are making headway for getting people off the street.
“We’re nearing the completion of 40 new units on Gibbons Street, and have delivered 20 on Sanders, made possible with the support of local municipal partners, like the Town of Goderich, and South Huron, who waived fees through community improvement plans.”
