The Niagara Region is joining forces with several other communities to combat homelessness.
Earlier this week the region was officially announced as one of the nine successful applicants to join the 'Built For Zero Collaborative.'
"This puts us in a group where we can try new ideas together, we can 'Niagara-cize' somebody else's success," Niagara's Director of Homelessness Cathy Cousins tells CKTB's Matt Holmes. "It gives us much more access to best practices out there in an effort to make good decisions here in Niagara."
Cousins explains one of the facets of the program, a 'By-Name List.'
"Where we actually understand, by name, all of the individuals in Niagara that are experiencing chronic homelessness, and know a little bit more about them. So there's an assessment on them and there's a really good understanding on what needs they need met to be successfully housed so they can keep that tenancy and work with that landlord."
With the newest additions, there are now 33 communities working together across the country, sharing strategies and supports to combat homelessness.
The collaborative also includes monthly reporting to track progress.