Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) hosted a homelessness working group meeting on October 1, bringing together staff and elected officials from across Prince Edward County and Lennox & Addington County.
The session focused on sharing challenges, successes and new ideas to address homelessness. Participants reviewed the current situation, discussed PELASS’ role, and explored solutions during problem-solving workshops. The recommendations will be shared with the PELASS Committee for further review.
The meeting also marked the beginning of work on a new 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan for 2026 to 2035. The Ontario government has directed municipalities to submit the plan by May 2026. PELASS Director Lynn Chenier said staff have been waiting for provincial approval to begin planning.
The updated plan will include input from municipal staff, people with lived experience, housing organizations and other community stakeholders. It will also draw on recent housing studies and a homelessness enumeration scheduled for fall 2025.
Tony Fritsch, Lennox and Addington County Councillor and Vice-Chair of the PELASS Committee ended the day by urging the participants to, “leave, not only with ideas, but with a renewed commitment to action.” He went on to say, “Working together, we can build a more compassionate, coordinated and effective response to homelessness in our region.”
Written by Emily Chatwood
