Author Description

The Homelessness Action Task Force was created in response to public concern about the growth of homelessness and its increasing visibility in Toronto. This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Task Force, which was given the mandate to develop both short-term proposals for emergency services and long-term solutions for health and mental health services, housing support, housing supply, and housing affordability. Work of the Task Force included consultations with homeless people, service providers, experts, community stakeholders, and the municipal government. In each issue area explored, the Task Force analyzed the problems, reviewed programs in place, identified service gaps, recommended changes, defined roles and responsibilities of each level of government and of the private and community-based sectors, and determined how each could be made accountable for efforts to alleviate homelessness. These issue areas were: simplification and co- ordination of the service system; creation of specific strategies for high-risk sub-groups of the homeless such as Aboriginals, youth, and abused women; prevention strategies such as shelter allowances and housing help; health strategies for homeless people; supportive housing; and affordable housing. The final sections present an action plan and a summary of the recommendations given throughout the report. Appendices include a copy of the interim report of the Task Force.