Item - 2024.EC11.7

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to:   

a. Provide the remaining reimbursement of a total of $1,440,401 to churches and community organizations who previously received a partial reimbursement for their eligible expenses incurred to September 30, 2023, based on City Council’s direction CC10.2 Immediate Federal Government Support Required for Refugee Claimants in Toronto on September 6, 2023.

b. Explore options for one-time extension of reimbursement to churches and community organizations selected by General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services for eligible expenses incurred towards providing temporary shelter to refugee claimants incurred until December 31, 2023 and provide an update to Council as part of scheduled reports on the City of Toronto’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy in the third quarter of 2024.

c. Should federal funding not fully cover the funding in part a and b above, City Council authorize the use of any operating surplus realized by the City at the 2023 Year-End, subject to the Surplus Management Policy.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to explore opportunities where appropriate to respond to the continued high level of need for shelter from refugee clients and to report back to the Council as part of scheduled reports on the City of Toronto’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy in the third quarter of 2024.

The unexpected and unprecedented surge in the number of refugee claimants arriving in Toronto has placed significant strain on the City's shelter and other systems. These pressures spiked in late spring and summer 2023, resulting in groups of refugees staying outside the City’s assessment and referral centre on Peter Street, with no space available in the shelter system.

In response, many Black-led churches and community organizations stepped up, opening their doors to provide emergency shelter and supports to hundreds of refugee claimants who were arriving in Toronto homeless.

In late summer, the City provided $150,000 to three leading churches. Additionally, in September 2023, City Council authorized that up to $750,000 be provided to churches and community organizations for eligible expenses incurred by September 30.

The recommendations in this report will ensure that Black-led churches and community organizations are fully reimbursed for costs previously determined eligible and that options for their further reimbursement are identified for City Council's consideration.