Historic 48% increase in homelessness funding to Northumberland to help the most vulnerable receive the help and care they need.
The Ontario government is investing over $2 million in the Homelessness Prevention Program, to help vulnerable Ontarians receive the help they need in Northumberland County. This investment is part of the Government of Ontario’s efforts to expand supportive housing and homelessness prevention to serve the needs of diverse communities across Ontario. The funding is supported through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Our Government recognizes the housing crisis Ontario is in and understands that those who are un-housed or in precarious living situations are at particular risk. These Ontarians’ deserve the wrap around supports needed to give them dignity and a leg up,” said MPP David Piccini. “We value the important work our service partner Northumberland County provides, and this historic investment that represents a 48% increase will help our community’s most vulnerable get the resources they need.”
The Ontario Government is investing an additional $202 million annually in homelessness prevention programs to help those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness; and, to support community organizations delivering supportive housing. This additional investment brings the total investment Ontario is making to $700 million – the largest in our Ontario’s history.
Of the $202 million in additional funding, $190.5 million will be provided each year through the Homelessness Prevention Program, which gives Ontario’s service managers, like Northumberland County, greater flexibility to allocate funding and make better use of the existing resources to focus on reducing and preventing homelessness. The remaining $11.5 million each year will be invested in the Indigenous Support Housing Program.
“This investment comes at a critical time for our community. Northumberland, like municipalities across the province, is facing dual crises of housing affordability and homelessness. This increase in funding from the province will enable the County, together with community partners, to enhance vital emergency shelter, outreach, and housing assistance resources. This will help to address the immediate needs of vulnerable members of our community, and improve outcomes for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness” said Northumberland County Warden Mandy Martin.
Through this increased funding, Northumberland County can invest in additional shelter space, increase additional street outreach resources for those who are unsheltered, and will create a new Housing Stability Program. This program will provide long term rent relief measures to eligible households to support preventative measures, and address housing affordability.
This new funding builds on the government’s investment of nearly $4.4 billion over the past three years to grow and enhance community, supportive housing, and help address the needs of vulnerable people.
Quick Facts
· This $202 million increase in annual funding brings the total yearly funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program to $700 million.
· The increased funding is being allocated based on a revised funding model that better reflects the current need for homelessness services and supportive housing in community across Ontario. Funding dollars are being increased to address increased needs, particularly during a time of rising inflation, and to help ensure no service manager receives a decrease in funding compared to 2022-23 as a result of the transition to the new model.
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
