Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter

The Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES) is a Select Committee formed in September 2024 in response to the growing challenges associated with homelessness and its impact on both the unhoused population and the broader community.

CRCHES aims to understand and address the effects of homelessness on the community, engage with stakeholders to gather insights and concerns, and develop actionable strategies to support the well-being of the community and its unhoused, vulnerable residents. 

Committee Activities Update Report between September 2024 and January 2025 [PDF/5.7MB]

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference [PDF/142KB] provide a framework for the Committee to carry out its mandate effectively. The committee is expected to operate with transparency, inclusivity, and a focus on actionable solutions that benefit both the unhoused population and the broader community. 

Committee Objectives

  1. Assess the Impact of Homelessness: Conduct an analysis of how homelessness affects various aspects of the community, including public safety, health, housing, and economic stability. 
  2. Engage Stakeholders: Facilitate dialogue with community members, businesses, service providers, and unhoused individuals to gather diverse perspectives and concerns. 
  3. Develop Comprehensive Solutions: Formulate strategies and policy recommendations to address the root causes of homelessness, identify support services, and improve the quality of life for the unhoused population and the community. 
  4. Raise Public Awareness: Educate the public on the issues surrounding homelessness and promote understanding and empathy. 
  5. Foster Community Partnerships: Build collaborations between government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and other stakeholders to support the committee’s initiatives. 

Past Meeting Minutes