Kingston Achieves National Milestones in Homelessness Response

The City of Kingston and United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) are pleased to announce that Kingston has now achieved two significant national milestones that reflect the strength and collaboration of its homelessness response system. 

On April 22, 2026, the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness officially recognized the City of Kingston as being the 21st community in Canada to confirm Quality By-Name data 4.0 for chronic and all homelessness with the City’s Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS). In addition to the recognition, the community has successfully met all Reaching Home minimum requirements for Coordinated Access ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline.  

Having quality by-name data means the City of Kingston maintains a real-time, accurate, and comprehensive list of those experiencing homelessness, with enough specific details to facilitate movement through the housing continuum and support connections to services. This quality data also allows the City to have a systematic and personal understanding of inflow/outflow of homelessness and measure individual progress while providing information that can be actionable for individuals as well as system planning.  

Coordinated Access is a system designed to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are assessed, prioritized, and connected to housing and supports in a fair, consistent and efficient way. This work includes the use of a HIFIS, as well as the ongoing implementation, maintenance and improvement of the Coordinated Access system using an outcomes-based approach. 

The City of Kingston, as homelessness system Service Manager and the HIFIS and Coordinated Access lead, works in close partnership with the United Way KFL&A, the Community Entity for Reaching Home, and alongside a network of frontline service providers. 

“Reaching these milestones is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving our local system,” said John DiPaolo, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “By strengthening Coordinated Access and ensuring we have high-quality, real-time data, we are better equipped to connect people to housing and supports when they need them most.” 

These accomplishments are grounded in the ongoing efforts of frontline agencies and service providers across Kingston. Their consistent use of HIFIS, and their commitment to providing timely, accurate, and up-to-date information and reporting, are essential to the success of both Coordinated Access and By-Name Data. This shared accountability ensures that the system functions effectively and that individuals are connected to the right support at the right time. 

“These achievements reflect years of dedication from frontline service providers and community partners,” said Jayne Hartley, Director of Housing &Social Services, City of Kingston. “The quality of our data and the strength of our coordinated system allow us to respond more effectively, identify gaps, and continue improving how we support people experiencing homelessness.” 

United Way KFL&A and the City of Kingston extend sincere appreciation to all partner agencies and frontline staff for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement. Their work is the foundation of a stronger, more responsive homelessness system in Kingston.

About Reaching Home 
Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is a federal, community-based program that supports efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness across the country. Under the Designated Community funding stream, 64 communities nationwide receive funding through a local Community Entity (CE), which is responsible for administering funds and ensuring federal requirements are met. 

Over the past several years, Reaching Home has supported communities in working towards Coordinated Access based on their stage of implementation and set the deadline for meeting the RH minimum requirements by March 31, 2026, with the expectation of continuous improvement. United Way KFLA, as the Community Entity for Reaching Home funding, in partnership with the City of Kingston as the homelessness system Service Manager, and HIFIS and CA Lead, have worked to meet all necessary requirements and have been successful in meeting the deadline. This work is also supported by all of the amazing frontline service providers who are part of the HIFIS and Coordinated Access system.  

About United Way KFL&A 
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.   

The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also tackling complex social issues collaboratively. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A is a unifying force, encouraging people to get involved to support our most vulnerable.  

Thanks to the continued generous support of the community, United Way KFL&A is proud to rank fourth among United Ways across Canada in dollars raised related to the size of our market.  

Stay up to date by following their social media channels – Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca 

Media Contact: 

Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications 
United Way KFL&A 
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca 

 
About the City of Kingston 
Kingston's vision of being a smart, livable, leading city is fast becoming reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, an easy travel distance from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston's high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.