The Ontario government has confirmed an investment of $9.1 million in 2019 to help battle homelessness in Simcoe County.
Steve Clark, minister of municipal affairs and housing visited Shelter Now in Midland earlier this week, joining Simcoe-North MPP Jill Dunlop, County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell and other county staff for the announcement. The funding is provided through Ontario's Home for Good program and Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI).
“This funding will help those who are homeless, or are at risk for homelessness to live with the supports they need to thrive,” said Dunlop.
While the funding announcement was more a confirmation of funding that had already been promised by the previous government for 2019/2020, Jan Janssen, director of children and community services with the County of Simcoe, said it was reassuring to get that confirmation and the support from the current PC government it would be continuing.
“We had the confirmation of that funding prior to this announcement, but hearing it again helps us to move forward with confidence that we can continue planning with the community,” said Janssen.
At the announcement, Clark stressed the importance of investing in these programs now.
“Our government is investing in community housing, and it’s been a neglected part of governments of the past. It’s something we feel very committed to,” he said.
Clark said that many housing providers that are in the system are having their original operating agreements and mortgages come to an end.
“This is a concern for many non-profits across the province. It’s actually the thing that keeps me awake at night as Ontario’s housing minister,” said Clark. “We have to have a plan in place.”
“Our government is going to continue to work very diligently on this file,” he added.
Janssen said the County of Simcoe feels supported by the PC government through the funding announcement.
“In order to plan and collaborate with community partners, it’s critical we know the dollar amount we’re working with. So, this confirmation really allows us to go forward knowing we have these dollars in place,” she said. “The intention was to profile some of the important and innovative work being done in the community through the county.”
