In March 2008, the 2nd update of York Region’s Community Plan to Address Homelessness was completed (The Regional Municipality of York et al., 2008). The report was prepared for the purpose of updating the community’s priorities in addressing homelessness and giving community service organizations a framework within which to work together to achieve common goals, avoid duplication and improve services.

Priority #3 in the plan highlighted the fact that supports and services for homeless individuals and families, and those at risk of becoming homeless are limited and do not meet the needs of York Region residents. The need for improved transportation to and from various facilities across York Region for homeless and at risk individuals was identified as a priority for action through funding allocated to York Region between 2008-2009 under the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

Community agencies affiliated with the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness agreed that a collaborative approach to addressing this issue would make sense. In June 2008, the Alliance was awarded $65,000 to develop long term sustainable approaches to transportation for homeless and at risk persons in York Region. $38,550 of this funding would be allocated to provide a coordinated community approach that would increase access of 500 people to services and supports in York Region.

A snapshot needs assessment conducted by the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness is reported through this document to inform the strategy. Data was collected through agency and community organization questionnaires, as well as a series of focus groups at one emergency shelter for men, two women’s shelters for female victims of violence and their children, two youth shelters and one youth drop-in.

A total of 14 local agency questionnaires and nine community group questionnaires were returned by the cut off date of August 7, 2008. Additionally, a total of 27 men and 26 women participated in this needs assessment through focus groups.