Media Release - May 6, 2026 - DSSAB Unites Local Leadership to End Chronic Homelessness in the Parry Sound District in 2026

Media Release - DSSAB Unites Local Leadership to End Chronic Homelessness in the Parry Sound District in 2026 (May 6, 2026)

Media Release

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2026

DSSAB Unites Local Leadership to End Chronic Homelessness in the Parry Sound District in 2026

PARRY SOUND, ON - The District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) hosted municipal leaders, staff, and community partners in Magnetawan on April 23^rd. The event, titled “The Path Forward: DSSAB’s Approach to Housing Loss Prevention and Encampments”, brought together DSSAB staff and representatives from the 22 municipalities across the District of Parry Sound served by the DSSAB, with the focus of the day being to share information, strengthen partnerships, and support a coordinated understanding of prevention-focused approaches to housing instability and homelessness.

The event featured an overview of DSSAB’s new Housing Loss Prevention and Encampment Response Strategy, and key insights from DSSAB’s work with OrgCode Consulting on this project. It also highlighted the housing loss prevention work currently underway across the district. Participants received practical guidance on how municipal staff can work with the DSSAB to support people at risk of housing loss or experiencing homelessness in their communities.

An especially meaningful part of the event included stories of lived experience shared by individuals who have experienced homelessness locally.

“Hearing directly from people who’ve experienced homelessness locally was one of the most important parts of the day,” said Jason Inwood, Chief Administrative Officer of Seguin Township. “Their voices helped challenge bias and stigma and gave real insight into the work already underway at DSSAB to tackle homelessness here at the local level.”

The event also created an opportunity for discussion, shared learning, and relationship-building among municipal and community partners, with participation encouraged from municipal CAOs, members of Council, and staff involved in community safety and by-law. 

“Strong local partnerships are essential to helping people stay housed and improving outcomes across the district,” said Rick Zanussi, Chair of the DSSAB. “Addressing homelessness and housing instability takes shared commitment, so it was great to see municipalities from across the district come together to share the needs and realities of their individual communities.”

Building on this work, DSSAB has set a clear and measurable goal for the region: ending chronic homelessness in the District of Parry Sound this year.

“We are not talking about just managing homelessness, we are talking about ending it for those experiencing it the longest,” said Tammy MacKenzie, Chief Administrative Officer. “We have the partnerships, the system, and the momentum in place. Our focus now is execution, and we are committed to ensuring that individuals experiencing chronic homelessness are supported into stable housing and stay housed.”

The session aligned closely with DSSAB’s broader work on the creation of their new Housing and Homelessness Plan, which is expected to be released later this year.

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For more information, please contact:

JJ Blower
Communications Officer
jblower@psdssab.org
(705) 746-7777 ext. 5264