10 year housing plan for district being worked on

News Release
RRDSSAB

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) has retained OrgCode Consulting, Inc. to assist them in developing a 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for the Rainy River District. OrgCode has produced similar plans for Simcoe County, the City of Chatham-Kent, the City of Stratford, the County of Huron, and the City of Kingston.
Required by the Government of Ontario, this Housing and Homelessness Plan will clarify Rainy River’s housing needs, including housing for seniors and assisted living. It will also help organize our efforts to end homelessness in Rainy River District. The findings of this project will guide future decisions related to programming priorities and funding investments. To ensure that this project reflects local realities and incorporates proven practices designed to end homelessness and improve access to affordable housing, empirical research will be combined with an extensive community engagement process
Many communities face challenges in ensuring there is enough affordable housing for everyone. People may be barely able to afford the housing they have, and are a job loss, illness or accident away from losing their homes. These challenges are particularly important for groups such as seniors, who are often on a fixed income and require a range of supports to stay housed.

Although often seen as a big city issue, homelessness does exist in rural and remote areas but it may not be as visible. That makes it difficult to know exactly how many people are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Rainy River District. People may be couch surfing, or sleeping in cars and motels.

To ensure that this Plan addresses local needs, the RRDSSAB wants to hear the public’s thoughts and ideas on housing and homelessness issues in the District. The following opportunities are available for individuals and families to participate in this important research and planning process:

Complete a Community Survey: A community survey will be made available on the RRDSSAB website: www.RRDSSAB.ca. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Those who would prefer to fill out a paper copy can do so. Hard copies of the survey can be picked up and dropped off at the front desk of the RRDSSAB Main Office at 450 Scott Street in Fort Frances.
Participate in a Community Consultation: Public sessions will be held in Atikokan, Fort Frances, and Rainy River at the following times:
Atikokan: 9:30AM-11:45AM, August 22nd, Atikokan General Hospital
Fort Frances: 9:30AM-11:45AM, August 26th, La Place Rendez-Vous
Rainy River: 9:30AM-11:45AM, August 20th , Royal Canadian Legion