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March 12, 1998
To: Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee
From: Jack Layton
Ad Hoc Committee on Shared Accommodation
Subject: Proposal for Affordable Shared Accommodation
Purpose:
To create pilot projects for affordable housing for singles in private bedrooms within shared apartments. This second stage housing would benefit those currently in the hostel system and those in danger of becoming homeless because they are unable to continue paying market rent.
Recommendations:
(1) That the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee adopt the proposal from the Ad Hoc Committee for Shared Accommodation. *
(2) That City of Toronto allocate staff time and outside consulting up to amount of $10,000 to develop the specifications of the shared accommodation model.
(3) That the City of Toronto direct a 96-unit pilot project as outlined in the proposal. There would be no subsidy, excepting a loan guarantee. The City of Toronto would guarantee the construction loan and mortgage up to a maximum of $2.5 million dollars. This project would be developed by City staff and owned by the City after completion.
(4) That, based on the nature of the above pilot project, the City of Toronto develop calls for proposals (to be evaluated by City staff and returned to Council for review):
i) asking private developer/managers to develop proposals to identify the extent of subsidy required to provide the specified accommodation and building management
ii) asking agencies and private firms to develop proposals, which incorporate varying levels of accommodation, management and services
Background:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Shared Accommodation has created a proposal for affordable shared accommodation that offers housing to a currently underhoused and homeless population at about 20% of the cost of hostel accommodation.
Each resident would have a private bedroom and would share a kitchen, living room, dining room and washrooms with five other residents. An individual living on the $325/month shelter allowance portion of the General Welfare Allowance can afford the proposed accommodation.
This monthly cost includes the entire cost to amortize land and construction, plus enough to pay the entire operating costs. Full detail on the costs and financing is included in the proposal* which is based on examples built for college students. As the suites are completely self-supporting, Councils main financial obligation would be to provide a loan guarantee to ensure that the housing can be constructed.
Our analysis indicated that many single homeless individuals could benefit from this type of housing with nominal staffing and co-operative resident management. The model could be replicated to house many more if staff support and financing from other levels of government and agencies could be provided.
Jack Layton
City Councillor Ward 25
Ref: adhoccns
*The full proposal will be forwarded under separate cover in advance of the meeting.
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