GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 4, 2013
10:04 am – 11:45 am
1.
Call to Order – Abe Oudshoorn
2.
Mission Statement
The London Homeless Coalition exists to advise, shape and coordinate community responses to
homelessness, and related needs for the London area.
3.
Introduction of and welcome to those in attendance
Abe Oudshoorn, Chair
Leana Zeyl, London InterCommunity Health Centre
Jens Stickling, Westany Holdings Inc
Brian Hryhorchuk, Service Canada/HRSDC
Willy Van Klooster, COH Family Health Team
Derek Dilabbio, Independent
Grant Martin, London CAReS
Kate Cowan, United Way
Shelley Yeo, Women’s Community House
Nancy Powers, Salvation Army Centre of Hope
Melissa Hardy-Trevenna, London & St. Thomas Association of Realtors
Deb Peckham, London Housing Advisory Ctte.
Martha Connoy, Mission Services of London
Jan Richardson, City of London
Maggie Traynor, Independent
Laura Downs, Information London/Healthline
Michelle Lynne Goodfellow, LMHC
Saundra-Lynn Coulter, London Abused Women’s Centre Doreen Hodgkinson, Elizabeth Fry Society
Neil Watson, City of London Housing Consultant
Len Sterling, Independent
Judy Binder, CMHC
Gordon Russell, Mission Services
Mike Godin, CMHA
Matthew Trevithice, Fanshawe Student
Dean Astolfi, WOTCH
Pam Hill, ADSTV
Jan Regan, Recording Secretary
The details of the attendance sheets related to committees was provided to the Steering Committee.
4.
Elections Update – Jens Stickling reported the current Terms of Reference state the Chair and Vice
Chair are to be elected by the general membership. At the LHC Steering Committee held February 18,
2013 the committee considered and is making a recommendation that Abe Oudshoorn be appointed as
the Chair and Grant Martin be appointed as the Vice Chair for the period of March 1, 2013 to February
28, 2015.
Motion: The LHC Steering Committee is recommending Abe Oudshoorn as Chair of the London
Homeless Coalition for the period of March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2015.
Moved: Jens Stickling
Seconded: Grant Martin
Carried.
Motion: The LHC Steering Committee is recommending Grant Martin as Vice Chair of the London
Homeless Coalition for the period of March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2015.
Moved: Jens Stickling
Seconded: Abe Oudshoorn
Carried.
4.1
General
Darlene Ritchie, Executive Director, At Lohsa Native Family Healing Services will be on leave for some
time. A get well card was circulated for best wishes.
Matthew Trevithice, Fanshawe Broadcast Journalism student requested permission to record today’s
meeting for purposes of his note taking only. Approved.
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5.
Approval of Agenda
Motion: To approve the agenda for March 4, 2013.
Moved: The agenda was moved for approval by Melissa Hardy-Trevenna
Seconded: Shelley Yeo
Carried.
6.
Approval of Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of February 4, 2013
Moved: The minutes were moved for approval by Melissa Hardy-Trevenna
Seconded: Derek Dilabbio
Carried.
7.
Business Arising from February 4, 2013 minutes
7.1
Community Forum and Report re: Programs and Services Available to Meet the Needs of
Young, Homeless Pregnant Women – Update (Gordon Russell)
A meeting took place with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), High Risk Infant Group and London
Crisis Pregnancy Centre on Monday January 28, 2013. The discussions began in the fall of
2012 with regards to the closure of Bethseda. These three organizations are being
encouraged to lead the response to meet the needs of young pregnant women particularly
those at risk or experiencing homelessness. The group is in the process of scheduling the next
meeting, and discussions will focus on the future of this group.
7.2
Community Plan on Homelessness – Direction 1.1 – Realign Housing & Homelessness
Committees - Community Forum – Update (Gordon Russell)
A second meeting was held March 1, 2013 with Jen Kirkham, Consultant, to review the results of
the survey and to look at the system as a whole. A more focussed discussion will be scheduled
towards the end of April 2013.
7.3
Terms of Reference
A motion was made at the February LHC meeting that the incoming Steering Committee would
review the current terms of reference and provide an update by March 31, 2013.
Due to the ongoing discussions and work being done on Direction 1.1:Realign Housing and
Homelessness Committees, it was suggested that any changes to the terms of reference should be
deferred pending the outcome of these discussions. A revised terms of reference will be in place
before the next election.
Motion:
To defer a full review of the current terms of reference pending the outcome of
Direction 1.1:Realign Housing and Homelessness Committees.
Moved:
Abe Oudshoorn
Seconded: Deb Peckham
Carried.
8.
Standing Items
8.1
Update from Steering Committee
i)
Motion:
To hold the London Homeless Coalition meetings to the Central Public Library,
2nd floor meeting room, starting April 8, 2013.
Moved: Maggie Traynor
Seconded: Nancy Powers
Carried.
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ii) Announcements
The general membership were encouraged to contact Abe Oudshoorn to be placed on the agenda
with information/presentations that would be of interest and value to the membership. The focus of
these more detailed information presentations would be for such things as newly funded projects,
initiatives, surveys, and programs that are in place.
Actions:
a)
Martha Connoy, Mission Services, will present on the SWLHIN Crisis Response.
b)
Derek Dilabbio asked to present on the Trades of Humanity.
8.2
City Updates – Jan Richardson, Manager, Homelessness
i) Community Plan on Homelessness
Jan provided a brief history. The tipping point came in 2006/2007 with reaction from the community
to the City a need to consider a Municipal Drug Strategy. It is encouraging to note the change in
provincial funding and strategy. Changes in provincial directions include:
- Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy
- Social Assistance Review Commission
- Mental Health and Addictions Strategy resulting in such programs/initiatives as:
o ASH Housing
o Tele-Health
o Opioid Treatment Service
o Community Day Withdrawal Management
o London Mobile Crisis Response
− Community Homelessness Prevention Iniativie
In 2010 London developed the London Community Housing Strategy and the London Community
Plan on Homelessness.
Other initiatives such as the London Health Sciences Centre Pay for Results assists with the
community dialogue.
All of the efforts assist in defining the role of the municipality and the opportunity to focus on
housing stability.
The 2013 budget has passed and Jan thanked those who participated during the process and sent
emails.
The Housing First Temporary Support Fund was established for the period of January 1, 2013 to
March 31, 2013 to limit the disruption to individuals and families on social assistance as a result of
the elimination of CSUMB and to allow for enough time to conclude the planning and discussions.
This fund will not continue beyond March 31, 2013. The City will advise on programs and services
that will be available for April 1, 2013.
The following questions were posed by the membership:
Q. What is CHPI and the specific parameters related to a proposed rent increase for a senior
apartment complex?
A. Defer the conversation on Minto Housing in Cherryhill and the proposed rent increase to other
business.
The Provincial Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) is the consolidation of five
provincially funded programs into one. The vision of CHPI is a better coordinated and integrated
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service delivery system that is people-centered, outcome-focused and reflects a Housing First
approach to prevent, reduce and address homelessness in communities across Ontario.
Q. What types of changes will the shelter system experience on April 1, 2013?
A. Ongoing discussions continue with the shelter providers. As identified in the 2010 London
Housing Strategy and London Community Plan on Homelessness, there are directions of shelter
diversion. Our efforts will focus on shelter diversion and rapid housing once in shelter.
Q. Can you explain the timeline?
The Housing First Temporary Support Fund ends March 31, 2013
A program will be implemented April 1, 2013
A report will go to Council at the end of April
A. We have a commitment to support low income Londoners. Information will be circulated on the
April 1 plan.
Q.
Purchase of Service Agreements – will these go to tender and can any agency apply?
A.
There will be some interim agreements put in place to prevent service gaps. Yes – A
number of Request for Proposals and Tenders will be issued.
ii)
8.3
Homelessness Partnering Strategy
The fiscal year concludes on March 31, 2013. Brian Hryhorchuk, Service Canada will be doing
an annual service review and site visit of the funded agencies in March. All currently funded
programs will continue under their existing contract until March 31, 2014.
Memorial Update – Nancy Powers
i) The Memorial Committee continues to meet prior to each LHC general membership meeting.
There has been several phones as a result of local media articles and it is expected that more
donations will be coming in. So far $9,000 has been raised. Grant Martin and Nancy Powers will
be presenting at Kings College.
Action: Invite Kings College students to the April 8, 2013 meeting to recognize their fundraising
efforts towards the memorial.
The site visit went well and efforts are progressing very well with Parks and Planning. Municipal
Council approval is required on the site location and wording on a plaque.
Motion: To approve the following wording for the plaque: “Commemorating Lives Lost through
Homelessness in London.”
There was some discussion around the use of the word ‘commemorating’ and suggestions for
alternate words.
Amended Motion: To approve the following wording for the plaque: “Honouring and
Remembering Lives Lost through Homelessness in London.”
Moved: Melissa Hardy-Trevenna
Seconded: Doreen Hodgkinson
Carried.
Nancy reported that there are outstanding objectives in the overall plan:
a)
Develop a tracking system for deaths that occur; and
b)
Planning services/events that will take place.
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On behalf of the membership, Shelley Yeo thanked Nancy and the Memorial Committee for all
their hard work.
9.
Other Business
9.1
Website and Communications
Abe provided an overview of the newly developed London Homeless Coalition website,
facebook and twitter pages. It is formatted so that individuals can add themselves to the
mailing list to a) volunteer for events only, or b) receive all announcements and meeting
agendas and minutes. A newsletter will be developed to replace the email communications.
The membership discussed ideas for content.
Recommendation: To transition to a newsletter format to distribute the May meeting materials.
Moved: Shelley Yeo
Seconded: Kate Cowan
Carried.
An email will be sent to the general membership 5-7 days prior to each meeting advising that
the agenda and minutes are available.
Members were asked to consider volunteering to sit on the Communications Committee. This
committee will look at policies, content, and sustainability of the website on a go forward basis.
Laura Downs, Information London/Healthline.ca has offered assistance to this committee.
Action: Contact Abe Oudshoorn if you are interested in sitting on the Communications
Committee.
9.2
Soup N Bread
The Soup N Bread is scheduled for April 26, 2013. Shelley will be confirming with the Covent
Garden Market this week. Salvation Army will provide the truck, Mission Services will provide
the soup, Women’s Community House will provide the chilli and volunteer students for the free
store. Aside from providing the meal, the membership was asked if there was more they
wanted to do, such as promoting the Memorial Project, and providing information on what the
London Homeless Coalition does.
Actions:
a)
Doreen Hodgkinson will contact Angelos for the bread donation.
b)
Melissa Hardy-Trevenna will design a brochure for distribution and members of the LHC
were asked to attend to greet and chat with individuals who attend.
c)
Recognition of Kings College students and their fund raising efforts will be announced.
9.3
10.
Updates from Representatives Serving on Other Committees
No report
Announcements
10.1
Crisis Response – Martha Connoy
Martha provided a quick overview of the Crisis Response – a transitional case management
service to provide any individual in crisis, not just those with a serious mental illness, with an
immediate response/referral to an appropriate service provider for treatment. Caseworkers will
work with individuals up to 90 days and carry approximate caseloads of 20 individuals.
Action: Martha will provide more details at the April 8th meeting.
10.2
10.3
LSRAG Survey - Deferred
Homes for Women - Shelley Yeo reported that the official local launch is scheduled for Friday,
March 8, 2013 at 1:00 pm at My Sisters’ Place.
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10.4
10.5
International Women’s Day – Friday, March 8, 2013
Addiction Services of Thames Valley – Pam Hill
ADSTV is launching a new Community Based Opioid Treatment Program, funded by the
Ministry of Health and Long-term Care through the Southwest Local Health Integration Network,
designed to help improve the health outcomes of individuals with opioid addition. A survey and
community engagement process will determine what the needs are.
Visit www.adstv.on.ca for more information on this and other programs that are available.
11.
Next Meeting: Monday, April 8, 2013 (10:00am to 11:30am) Central Public Library, 141 Dundas
Street, 2nd floor meeting room. Meeting Adjourned: 11:35 am
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