Grey County will receive $2.3 million in funding from the provincial government to help its social service providers support the community through COVID-19.
“The province announced $148 million across Ontario and Grey’s allocation on the social services relief fund was $2.3 million,” said Kim Wingrove, CAO of Grey County during a virtual council meeting held on April 9. “That money is being administered by the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative and is intended to assist the service managers in supporting vulnerable populations.”
The funding was announced by the Ministry of Housing and Affairs earlier this month and can be used at the county’s discretion to support social service providers, including homeless shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profit organizations.
“We are acting quickly to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless during this unprecedented time,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding is going straight to communities, who know best what the immediate needs are on the ground.”
Through the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, the county will be collecting applications and meeting with service providers to determine how the funds will be distributed.
“Right now we are reaching out to various agencies across Grey County that provide homelessness support including shelter services, food bank or meal services and other emergency services,” said Rob Hatten, communications manager for Grey County. “Funds can also be used to provide assistance for someone experiencing homelessness who needs to self-isolate due to COVID -19 symptoms.”
Wingrove added that the funding will be allocated over the entire fiscal year, from April 2020 until March 2021.
“We need to be conscious of the fact that there will be a recovery phase to these funds, as well as the current acute phase,” she said.
The county is expected to receive 50 per cent of the funding immediately, with another 25 per cent being released in July and the final 25 per cent in September, but only if the county can justify an ongoing need in the community.
Wingrove says some of the funding was immediately allocated to OSHaRE to address an increase in the demand for meals.
“We are still in the early stages and we are working hard to get an idea of how the funds will flow to those most in need,” said Wingrove. “We estimate these service providers will require $40,000 to $50,000 a month over and above the regular budget, just for that emergency housing. Funds will also be needed for isolation services.”
A report will be brought back in May to Grey County council from the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative for further determination of how the funds will be distributed.
