The Situation Table for Housing-at-Risk (STAR) is a city-wide situation table that serves tenants and others who are facing housing instability due to increased vulnerability such as aging, physical and mental health challenges, substance misuse, diminished capacity and social isolation.
In housing-at-risk situations, the STAR mandate is to:
In situations where risks are high and particularly complex and regular service delivery has been attempted, the matter may be brought forward to STAR. STAR does not replace existing City responses and provides supports by coordiating partner agencies to work together within their own mandates to reduce Acutely Elevated Risks (AER) and vulnerability.
City of Toronto divisions and partner agencies often respond to complex property and community standards concerns, particularly through the implementation of the Multi-tenant Housing Framework and the Rental Renovation Licence (Renovicition) Bylaw, many of which are connected to individuals experiencing vulnerability and AER. When a division is the first to become involved, it will take the necessary steps to address the issue through its regular service channels.
STAR facilitates cross-sector collaboration where tenants are at a higher risk of displacement that may involve hoarding (animals, possessions or refuse), multiple property standards and fire code violations and persistent pest infestations. STAR may also help coordinate responses for vulnerable tenants experiencing AER in multi-tenant housing and those facing renovictions.
“Vulnerability” is defined as the gap between the challenges an individual faces such as mental health, housing instability or safety and the services or supports available to help them address those challenges. This definition suggests that vulnerability arises not from the person themselves, but from the gaps in resources and systems that are meant to support them.
“Acutely Elevated Risk” (AER) refers to a situation negatively affecting the health or safety of an individual, family, or specific group of people, where professionals are permitted to share personal information under provincial privacy legislation to eliminate or reduce an objective risk of serious harm to one or more individuals.
For a disclosure to be considered permissible, it must comply with the applicable disclosure provisions.
The “acute” nature of these situations is an indicator that:
Participating City of Toronto Divisions and Agencies Partners are:
The City is partnering with the following community organizations for STAR:
Information sharing is critical to the success of STAR by working to mitigate AER and vulnerability of Torontonians. Professionals from a wide range of sectors, agencies and organizations are involved in the delivery of services that address risks faced by vulnerable individuals and groups. These professionals are well-placed to notice when an individual(s) is at an “Acutely Elevated Risk” of harm. Collaboration among these professionals is vital to reducing harm.
The sharing of personal information requires compliance with provincial privacy legislation, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). Learn more about information sharing with situation tables.
You play an important role in ensuring the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours. It is important to make the right call at the right time for the service you need.