Lived Experience Advisory Committee on Homelessness – Councillor Lovelace

Motion for Council to Consider:

That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report and recommendations with respect to the establishment of a “Lived Experience Advisory Committee on Homelessness for HRM” designed collaboratively with community partners. This report and recommendations must be based on the principle that systemic problems need systemic solutions inclusive of those most impacted by homelessness.

Reason:

Homelessness is Halifax has reached the point of crisis. Decisions are being made without the most important voices in the decision-making process – those directly impacted by homelessness. Community groups and organizations are working to address this issue, some collectively, others individually, and HRM is working with community partners including the provincial government to assist those impact by the housing crisis.

A Lived Experience Advisory Committee on Homelessness would provide Regional Council with valuable insight directly from those with first-hand experience with homelessness. There is significant academic research indicating the immense value of including the viewpoints of people with lived experience in social policy development.

Outcome Sought:

A staff report on recommendations to establish a “Lived Experience Advisory Committee on Homelessness for HRM”.