SSHAC: Looking Back, Thinking Ahead
(from 2014 Winter Newsletter)
The end of one year and beginning of another is traditionally a time of both reflection and planning. The South Shore Housing Action Coalition is no exception to this tradition. The first couple months of this year have seen sub-committees developing and presenting to the whole group action plans for 2014. Items high on the agenda include:
- developing the foundation for a Collaborative Housing Needs Assessment in towns/municipal units on the South Shore (including building a business case/proposal and getting buy-in from all municipal units, and hopefully other potential funders), with a goal of conducting the study in 2015;
- researching best practices for housing in a rural context, and developing and promoting a concise report and presentation on the topic;
- ·strengthening the meeting and coordination structure of SSHAC, as well as broadening public representation on SSHAC;
- increasing communication and awareness through the SSHAC newsletter, Facebook page and (upcoming) website;
- Conducting appropriate follow-up on 2013 Resolution on Housing Standards (put forth at annual conference of Union of Nova Scotia municipalities ).
Other plans we are considering but for which don’t yet have the necessary working groups in place, include:
- hosting a Housing Forum; and
- promoting/advocating for Age Friendly Construction (i.e. changes in construction / renovation activities, to be more inclusive of barrier-free design (accessibility, fixtures).
Reflecting over the past year, it would seem that SSHAC has been doing well in terms achieving our goal of raising awareness and action on the need for quality affordable housing. Presentations to all municipal councils in Lunenburg Queens resulted in each unit now being represented on our committee. We also saw a resolution put forth to Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities on housing standards, increased community engagement at our meetings, and through our newsletter and Facebook page, production (through assistance of Public Health) of a demographic report on housing in our area, and eight members attending the annual conference of the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia..
It may be possible that the work of SSHAC has not yet had an impact on the quality or availability of affordable housing in our area. But we’re pleased with the many advances that have been made over the past few years. Remembering the saying “seek progress not perfection” we’re confident that 2014 will see continued forward momentum.
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