The Homelessness Initiatives Strategic Committee (HISC) is an action-focused group which stewards and advocates for the community plan on homelessness.

Mandate:

To bring forward recommendations to Council regarding homelessness in the community, with a goal to ending homelessness. The HISC will work to support the Council’s strategic plan and committee goal by:

1. Acting as the Community Advisory Board (CAB) when and as required by federal infrastructure grants; and

2. Being the decision-making authority on behalf of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) for:

     a. Planning, research, and evaluation in relation to the Community Plan on Homelessness grants;

     b. Advocacy and policy management and changes (when required) in relation to homelessness;

     c. Coordination and development of homelessness support services;

     d. Fund administration for Community Based Organization (CBO), and Community Entity (CE) – Designated and Indigenous funding streams, including grant allocation of provincial and federal funding to local non-profit organizations.

The HISC will:

1. Adjudicate and award available homelessness grant dollars provided to The RMWB by other levels of government;

2. Act as the authority and system planner on homelessness efforts related to the goal of ending homelessness, and funding allocations delegated to the Committee by Council or Administration as it relates to relevant grant requirements:

     a. Establish processes for application for, the adjudication of, and the award of grant dollars in the areas of collaborative homelessness efforts;

     b. Monitor how programs function and compare with one another;

     c. Provide structure to enhance opportunities for service providers and homeless sector organizations to work more collaboratively;

     d. Define success for programs to support individuals; 

     e. Measure progress to meet plan goals;

3. Review and provide feedback with respect to planning and reporting, as required;

4. Support the development, review, and approval of the community plan on homelessness priorities, strategic solutions, and directions; and

5. Assist in raising awareness of the homelessness sector and realities of homelessness throughout the community, using various methods of communication and awareness.

Membership will include:

3 non-voting members:
2 – Council Members
1 – Chief Administrative Officer of designate(s)

9 voting members, appointed from the following representative sectors, in accordance with the number of members indicated:
2 – Indigenous representatives
2 – public-at-large representatives
1 – downtown business community representative
1 – addictions and mental health sector representative
1 – public housing representative
1 – local funder representative
1 – non-municipal justice or enforcement representative

It is recommended that one or more of the following equity-deserving populations should be represented on the committee:
Youth (18 years to 24 years)
Senior (65+ years)
Rural
LGBTQ2S+
Multicultural
Faith community
Individual with lived / living experience of homelessness

The primary residence of all Committee members must be within the boundaries of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Committee End Date:

The HISC may be dissolved by Council at any time.

Reporting:

The HISC shall submit an annual report, in writing, to the Council.

Collection of Demographic Information: Demographic information is collected through the application process as Committees Bylaw No. 17/024 considers representation of equity-deserving groups for some boards and committees. By collecting this information, demographic information will enhance the recruitment and selection process to reduce barriers for equity-deserving groups.

Collection of Personal Information: The personal information you provide when applying for this board/committee is being collected under the authority of Section 33 (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The personal information is used to determine your suitability for the board/committee and, if you're appointed, this information will be kept on file in the Legislative Services office during your term of appointment. If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information contact the Legislative Officer, 7th Floor Jubilee Centre, 9909 Franklin Ave T9H 2K4, or call 780-743-7001.

Term Limit: Three-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms, then one-year break.