National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)’s Post

Our media partner Postmedia is taking a closer look at the troubling issues of tent cities in an in-depth investigation. Join us 11 a.m. PT March 12 for a special edition of Conversations Live with Stuart McNish where we will take on this critical matter with Postmedia and a panel of people facing this issue in their work every day. The impacts of tent cities are intensely local and personal – for both the homeless residents struggling to get through the day and the people living in the neighbourhoods around them. Yet far being isolated local issues tent encampments have become a national crisis, a reality for far too many communities across Canada - including many small towns. By one estimate some 235,000 people now experience homelessness in Canada every year, and about a quarter of those stayed in a tent encampment. These ad hoc communities are often miserable - densely packed, dangerous, cold, and attractive to predators targeting vulnerable residents. Residents trying to stay warm resort to open flames and propane tanks inside tents, causing very real fire risk. Yet, what option to their residents have? Like all of us they need a warm, safe place to sleep. Municipal and provincial governments are forming teams to take on this issue, but fact is there just isn’t sufficient shelter space and safe housing, let alone critical social service supports. Encampments have become an issue of fundamental human rights and safety. But there is no clear way forward. We hope you can join us for this national conversation – on webcast 11 a.m. PT March 12. https://lnkd.in/gjji-BRc #tentcity

Proud to share the LTIMindtree Foundation Annual Report 2023-2024, themed "Shaping Future, Transforming Lives." This report highlights 21 impactful #CSR initiatives focused on education, empowerment, environmental, and health & nutrition. Together, we're making a difference! #CSR #CommunityDevelopment #Sustainability #Education #Empowerment #Environment #Health

“It’s really the speed and the targeting that is just so important,” Watts said. “If you can get somebody into four walls and a roof and make sure that they have a community of support … then amazing things can happen.” Sam Watts and your team at Welcome Hall Mission take a bow. 👏👏👏 Rapid rehousing is a crucial initiative and particularly effective for those newly experiencing homelessness. While the article is clear that this initiative did not target more complex, chronic cases - that’s okay, because newly unhoused individuals require our support also. Early intervention and preventing chronic homelessness is an important goal in our efforts to reduce and end homelessness. The inability of people to afford to obtain and maintain housing underlies much of our national homelessness problem. Rapid rehousing provides immediate stability, reversing the fortunes of individuals and families and easing their trauma. The results speak for themselves - 400 people housed and 85% have retained that housing. Studies show that rapid rehousing improves housing stability and promotes better long-term outcomes compared to extended stays in shelters. It is a cost-effective strategy that alleviates the burden on emergency services and fosters healthier, more resilient communities. #Homelessness #RapidRehousing #HousingFirst #EndHomelessness

The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP was named Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government. Her proposals include: 🏛️ Boosting Affordable Housing: Increasing the supply of affordable homes to ensure everyone has a place to call home. 🏛️ Empowering Communities: Enhancing support and resources for community development. 🏛️ Sustainable Practices: Promoting green building practices and sustainable development to protect our environment. What are your predictions?

🏘️ Transforming Communities Together in Scarborough, Ontario! 🏘️ Discover the revolutionary Connected Community Approach (CCA) - a framework designed ‘by the community for the community’. 🌟 This innovative model shifts the focus from seeing communities as vulnerable recipients to empowering them as active partners in solving today’s biggest challenges. Drawing on social innovation, deep equity, and community development, CCA builds powerful cross-sector coalitions and introduces three game-changing innovations: 1️⃣ Community-based facilitators as backbone organizations. 2️⃣ Strategies for centering community in organizational action planning. 3️⃣ 10 keys to unlock the potential of connected communities at local and systems levels. With a 25-year legacy, CCA strengthens social fabric, creating healthier and more equitable communities. Ready to see how Scarborough is leading the way? 🚀 Read the full article now! 👉

In an op-ed for Smart Cities Dive, LISC CEO Michael T. Pugh and Enterprise Community Partners CEO Shaun Donovan discuss how climate and community development are fundamentally interconnected. They argue that for investments in green community development to be successful, the work must be guided by strategies that prioritize community input and involvement. Read More at https://lnkd.in/g6usKbYp.

The role of integration in creating and then safeguarding authentic relationships within the community is of fundamental importance.   Read the latest Connected Communities, which reflects on the importance of integration in building healthy relationships within communities across Scotland: https://lnkd.in/eDEHFkBX

Interesting initiative preventing those who are newly unhoused from becoming chronically homeless. Of course, interventions are needed across the full spectrum from preventing homelessness altogether to addressing the complex needs of those who are chronically unhoused, in other words primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This rapid rehousing initiative is so timely as more and more people are struggling with affordability of housing and other basic needs.

Understanding the feasibility of a new shared-use path can require extensive stakeholder engagement. Ansons Consulting Ltd, in partnership with LUC, were commissioned by Strathfillan Community Development Trust to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for a shared-use path between Killin and Kirkton Farm, near Tyndrum. The project was funded by Sustrans Scotland.   The goal of the study was to identify the most feasible route for a path that could be used by people wishing to walk, wheel and cycle between Killin and Kirkton. Ansons role was to support LUC — who carried out the route appraisal, an initial ecological appraisal and a costed delivery plan — by designing and implementing a comprehensive programme of stakeholder engagement. Our work to understand diverse perspectives will help ensure that the feasibility study accurately reflects the views of the community, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for path users and other stakeholders alike. Learn more about our stakeholder engagement process in the case study found 👇 👇 here 👇 👇 https://lnkd.in/etHYeejC

🌐BROOKS leads joint effort between Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils, and the Community for Lake Illawarra’s future 🌟 BROOKS Community Engagement had the pleasure of partnering with Shellharbour City Council and Wollongong City Council to design and implement a multi-tiered engagement strategy for the Lake Illawarra Community Engagement and Participation Strategy (the ‘Strategy’). 🚀 This strategy serves as the blueprint for a sustainable future for Lake Illawarra and its community, offering a dynamic, inclusive, and comprehensive plan on how the community can actively participate in the protection and preservation of this precious resource. ✨“Navigating genuine community engagement amidst diverse viewpoints and strong opinions can be challenging. Listening proves invaluable in these situations, creating connections that break down barriers and foster better discussions and collaboration. Despite differences, with the right tools and investment of time with the community, building great relationships and a sense of unity is possible.” - Trudy Costa Curious to learn more about this transformative project? Click here to dive into Trudy's insights and explore the journey: https://lnkd.in/gMk8M6eM #CommunityEngagement #LakeIllawarra #Collaboration #InclusivePlanning #SustainableFuture