Kingston earns major national recognition for homelessness response system

City and United Way KFL&A praised for meeting federal homelessness targets ahead of deadline.

The Kingston homelessness response system has reached two major national milestones, earning recognition for its coordinated approach and real-time data tracking aimed at helping people find housing faster.

The City of Kingston and United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington announced the community has become the 21st in Canada to achieve Quality By-Name Data 4.0 status for chronic and all homelessness through its Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, known as HIFIS.

The milestone was officially recognized April 22 by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

Kingston has also met all federal Reaching Home minimum requirements for Coordinated Access ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline.

Officials said the achievement means Kingston now maintains accurate, real-time information about people experiencing homelessness, allowing agencies to better connect individuals with housing and support services.

United Way KFL&A President and CEO John DiPaolo said strong partnerships and quality data are helping the community respond more effectively.

City Director of Housing and Social Services Jayne Hartley credited frontline agencies and service providers for years of collaboration and consistent reporting that made the milestones possible.

Story by Alyssa Brush