Province’s Additional Investment will Help People at Risk or Experiencing Homelessness
The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million. The additional funding will help those experiencing r at risk of homelessness and support community organizations delivering supportive housing.
This includes $7,657,000 for the City of Peterborough a $2,492,700 increase from 2022-23.
‘We recognize there are challenges for housing security in our community right now,’ MPP Smith said. ‘This additional $2.5 million should help the city increase their capacity to serve those who need the additional support.’
The additional funding, announced in the 2023 Budget will support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services, Under the $202 million, $190/5 million each year will be allocated to the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), which gives Ontario’s 47 Service Manager greater flexibility to allocate funding and make better use of existing resources to focus on delivering supports.
‘Peterborough, like so many cities across Ontario, is experiencing a homelessness crisis,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This funding from the Province of Ontario will help support our most vulnerable with critical homelessness prevention and supportive housing services. On behalf of Council and the residents of Peterborough, I want to thank MPP Smith and Minister Clark for their support.’
‘We know Ontario’s housing supply crisis impacts all Ontarians, no matter their background or budget,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why we’ve increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by more than 0 percent. These measures complement the bold and transformational change we are implementing o tackle the housing supply crisis and get more homes built faster across Ontario.” Added Minister Clark.
“During a time of economic challenges and change, our government is supporting those who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “
Ontario’s 2023 Budget : Building a Strong Ontario is the right plan to support those that need it the most today whiling a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.’ Added Minister Bethlenfalvy.
The increased funding is a result of a revised model that better reflects the current needs of individuals who are facing homelessness across Ontario. Funding dollars are being increased to address the increased needs, particularly during a time of rising inflation, and to help ensure that no service manager receives a decrease in funding compared to 2022-23.
“Supportive housing provides people in need with a roof over their heads. It also connects them with services that provide a hand up to improve their circumstances, including mental health support and job training,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister for Housing.
“Our government met with partners and stakeholders across the province this past fall – we heard their concerns and are addressing their valuable feedback to improve Ontario’s supportive housing system. This investment will make a real impact to support housing providers that help vulnerable Ontarians every day.”
The changes also address the recommendation in the Auditor General’s 2021 value-for-money audit on homelessness, which called for a better funding model for homelessness programs that would target areas where funding is most needed.
In addition to reducing costs in other sectors, supportive housing provides people in Ontario with an opportunity to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Ontario will continue to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services to help those most in need.
QUICK FACTS
– In order to access HPP funding, Service Managers must have in place a comprehensive and up-to-date By-Name List of people experiencing homelessness, along with information about their needs. This is to ensure that Service Managers have the up-to-date information they need from individuals experiencing homelessness to help connect people the right housing and supports as soon as they are available.
– In 2022, the government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act, which takes bold action to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes by 2031. The plan also has measures to reduce municipal charges for housing providers looking to build non-profit and affordable housing for vulnerable Ontarians
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
