As demand for shelter beds continues to grow, the region and its partners at the Cambridge Shelter Corporation are looking for alternative space.
One option is to ask local landlords to rent their properties to people in the shelter system.
"We have been running a program for close to a year now called Scattered Site Supportive Housing in which we work to match landlords with shelter participants for a successful transition," said Wayne Paddick executive director for the Cambridge Shelter Corp.
The region funds the program and puts prospective residents from the shelter into housing that is rented from a normal landlord.
Paddick notes that these individuals usually have jobs and are on their way to finding more permanent housing.
The housing team at the Region of Waterloo said in an email to CambridgeToday, "that scattered site supportive housing follows Housing First's best practices."
The goal is to combine direct support with a rental supplement, ensuring affordability while supporting people to stabilize in housing after an experience of homelessness.
This project is a direct result of their $200 million Plan to End Chronic Homelessness that was approved by the regional council on April 24.
"With units in each municipality across the Region, over 300 people are being supported to remain housed through this program, all of whom formerly experienced chronic homelessness," said the region. "The success of this program is a testament to the great work done by community partners."
Both the region and the Bridges report a 99 per cent retention rate among candidates in the program; all of whom experienced chronic homelessness before being housed.
Paddick said the Bridges is actively looking for more landlords willing to offer up available units for the program. With no plans to expand the current shelter on Simcoe Street, any more beds they can add to their inventory is a plus.
He added that landlords are offered competitive rates for housing and will have a case worker from the region on hand at all times throughout the residency to help mitigate any issues like damage or rent being unpaid.
The Bridges has housed 97 individuals and are on pace to meet their goal of 120 residents.
If a landlord is looking to get involved, Paddick recommended calling the shelter or the region to see how they can become a part of the rapidly growing program.
"The team is doing great work and with more landlords, we can do even more," Paddick said.
