The ending of affordable housing rental support covering 200+ persons has led to blame and counter-blame between the two institutions that were supporting and managing the program.
The program financially supported those who could not meet all their rent obligations. Landlords who offered their property under the program were paid the rent directly by the Salvation Army. Some 88 adults and 144 children were part of the program in Durham (see below). It is not clear where they will now go.
The Regional Municipality of Durham, which provided financial support for the program, has blamed the manager, Salvation Army, which has refuted the charges and, in turn, blamed the region for not continuing the program for the benefit of the affected individuals.
“The Region of Durham decided not to continue funding the Salvation Army, York Durham Housing Program. This wasn’t an easy decision, and it came after careful consideration,” said a region statement issued to Durham Post.
Non-Compliance of Funding Agreement
“The region has a responsibility to ensure that public funds are used appropriately. Key information needed from The Salvation Army to support decision-making was not produced, and as a result, the funding agreement could not be renewed. This decision aligns with the contractual obligations for Homelessness Services and is not a reflection on The Salvation Army’s broader mission or values,” the statement said.
It said: “There were administration and program delivery concerns that impacted our ability to ensure fiscal accountability and client safety, which are critical to continued funding, and as a result the funding agreement could not be renewed.”
“The Salvation Army remained non-compliant with reporting obligations contained in the Funding Agreement,” the region said.
“The region supports many local programs and service providers. We manage agreements to ensure contract compliance with financial, administrative and service delivery expectations and best practices. We also work with service providers to build capacity and meet the requirements of the agreement, whenever possible. If there are consistent or severe non-compliances, we do end agreements according to the terms set out,” the statement added..
The Salvation Army Response
The Salvation Army told Durham Post that it partnered with the Region of Durham to deliver this program in response to a critical and unmet need for housing in the region.
“This program began in 2017. The program was expanded during the pandemic at the request of the Region of Durham in order to provide broader opportunities for housing,” said the Salvation Army.
Program Helped 365+ Individuals
While there were administrative challenges to learn from, the program achieved meaningful outcomes by helping more than 365 individuals move closer to long-term housing security.
“It is accurate that there were delays in meeting reporting obligations outlined in the funding agreement, due in part to administrative challenges. Once these issues were identified, The Salvation Army management took steps to address them and submitted the required information in good faith. It is not accurate to claim that The Salvation Army “remained noncompliant”. Instead, we remain completely committed to full accountability in our operations,” the Salvation Army contended.
“We are not aware of any program delivery concerns and do not agree that any such concerns would have impacted client safety. The safety and well-being of those we serve has always been central to our mission and approach,” it said.
Asked for Program Transfer to New Partner
“The Salvation Army accepts that it is the region’s choice whether or not to renew and continue with the program. While the Salvation Army expressed concern and disappointment regarding the region’s decision to end the program, it also stated its willingness to fully cooperate with another agency to which the program could have been transferred. We regret that the region did not accept this proposal,” it pointed out.
The Salvation Army said its housing programs in other jurisdictions, such as Peel and York, continue to operate under their respective agreements.
“As the program winds down, our focus remains on supporting tenants and working with landlords through a respectful, person-centered transition. Our goal is to help the tenants continue in stable, independent rental arrangements with their landlords wherever possible and to ensure that both tenants and landlords understand their respective rights and responsibilities,” the Salvation Army said.