February 28, 2000

To:Community Services Committee

From:City Clerk, Children and Youth Action Committee

Subject:National Children's Benefit - Shelter Fund

Recommendations:

The Children and Youth Action Committee recommends that:

(1)the Municipal Reinvestment of the National Child Benefit savings go to families and dependant children on welfare who pay more in shelter costs than they receive in shelter allowance; and the City of Toronto through its various programs ensure that the Shelter Fund is linked to other housing or shelter funds that are available in order to meet this need;

(2)ongoing shelter fund access be extended to include families leaving homeless shelters; and

(3)ongoing shelter fund access be extended to include families with young children under six years of age and the requirement of Ontario Works Program participation be waived.

Background:

The Children and Youth Action Committee on February 18, 2000 had before it a submission from the General Manager, Social Services, Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, headed "Information Package - Interim Shelter Fund Enhancement Policy".

A verbal report was given by the General Manager, Social Services, Community and Neighbourhood Services Department with respect to the foregoing.

The Committee's recommendations are noted above.

 City Clerk

Children and Youth Action Committee

B.Bains

c:Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

20000218.3