Working with landlords to prevent homelessness

Jul 18, 2018

Landlords in Frontenac County are encouraged to connect with Amanda Pantrey, new Rural Housing Liaison Worker, to find out about the incentives and perks that come with working with the rural Housing and Homelessness Collaborative Team, based out of Southern Frontenac Community Services in Sydenham.

The Housing and Homelessness program in the County of Frontenac aims to serve high-needs, low-income families in need of assistance to secure and maintain safe, appropriate, and affordable housing. Landlords are a key partner in the success of the program, and in return for working with the Collaborative Team, landlords gain access to supports and incentives.

“There are benefits for rural landlords to work with the Collaborative Team,” says Pantrey. “First, landlords will have an advantage because their units will be entered into our database, which our staff can use to successfully match clients with appropriate properties. As well, landlords can be confident knowing eligible tenants can access on-going support, such as funding to help them get and stay on their feet, or to cover unexpected costs such as utilities arrears.”

“Landlords working with our team are also included in our information-sharing networks and will get insight to incentive programs, such as Kingston-Frontenac Renovates Program – Accessibility Enhancement Program.” Pantrey adds, “This program is exciting. Landlords could be eligible for a forgivable loan up to $20,000 to assist in accessibility upgrades. The deadline for that program is August 31, so landlords are encouraged to call me as soon as possible to get started.”

Southern Frontenac Community Services is one of three agencies working together in the Housing and Homelessness Collaborative that serves the County of Frontenac, administered by the City of Kingston’s 10-year Municipal Housing and Homelessness Plan. Rural Frontenac Community Services and Addiction Mental Health Services, KFL&A make up the rest of team.

“Homelessness and housing insecurity in Frontenac County is very real,” says SFCSC Executive Director, David Townsend. “The demand for services keeps growing. Building relationships with local landlords will not only benefit our clients, but the community as a whole. When families who want to live here are able to stay, everybody wins.”

For more information on the Housing and Homelessness Program in the County of Frontenac, and how we can help you, call Amanda Pantrey, at SFCSC, at 613-376-6477 ext. 208.