KAWARTHA LAKES-With the snow and cold weather fast approaching, the City of Kawartha Lakes is looking to partner with landlords in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton to help those who are homeless.
“The number of individuals and families who are currently sleeping outside or in vehicles is significantly higher than what we have previously experienced,” says Michelle Corley, Manager of Housing, CKL. “Instead of opening cold-weather shelter services that inevitably put people back on the street by springtime, the municipality and community partners want these households to find permanent housing. Housing is the only solution to homelessness.”
The City is offering landlords with vacant apartments a variety of supports and incentives, including:
- Funding to help prepare the unit for move-in
- Tenant choice
- Last month’s rent guarantee
- Two month’s of pre-paid rent
- Assistance with financial issues that may arise (e.g. rent arrears)
- Compensation for damages that are beyond regular wear and tear
- Monthly check-ins with landlords
- Weekly (at minimum) check-ins with tenants
Officials say in total, there are currently more than 150 households homeless in the area, including vulnerable groups such as:
Kawartha Lakes
- 23 families
- 10 seniors
- 13 youth
- 24 households who are unsheltered and currently outside, sleeping in a vehicle, or seasonal trailer
County of Haliburton
- 15 families
- 7 seniors
- 7 youth
- 10 households who are unsheltered and currently outside, sleeping in a vehicle, or seasonal trailer
Whether you have a vacant unit or have one coming available soon, together we can help end homelessness. For more details and to complete our online form, please visit kawarthalakes.ca/housing.
