NEWS RELEASE
MPP JILL DUNLOP
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MPPs for Simcoe County announced together that the county will receive an additional $1,860,600 in social services relief funding.
The discretionary funding can be used to improve the delivery of critical services, protect homeless shelter staff and residents, renovate and purchase shelter facilities, add to rent banks, create longer-term housing solutions and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.
“Our government is responding to the ongoing needs of COVID-19 by providing more flexible funding to keep our vulnerable citizens safe,” said Simcoe North MPP Dunlop. “We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having a place to call home, and this additional funding will help ensure everyone can find – and keep – a safe and secure roof over their head.”
“Throughout this pandemic, we have acted to help our local partners protect vulnerable citizens within our communities. This means helping keep critical organizations running, supporting safe housing and helping protect those who live in shelters,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “This flexible funding helps us continue to protect those most at risk and addresses their unique needs within our community.”
The Ontario government is allocating an additional $120 million across the province to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners protect vulnerable people during COVID-19. This investment builds upon the second phase of social services relief funding announced this fall.
“Our government continues to respond to the pandemic with significant investments for our municipal and Indigenous partners,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As the public health situation continues to evolve, we are providing more support, so our partners are in a better position to protect those who need it most.”
“Our government is investing in critical projects like social services relief funding to help protect our most vulnerable people during these difficult times,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP York-Simcoe. “This investment builds upon prior relief funding offered in the fall and will help our local communities create long-term housing solutions, improve delivery of critical services and plan for future emergencies.”
“It is important that the most vulnerable citizens in our communities, who are facing heightened risk because of the pandemic, continue to have access to additional supports,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “This additional funding will help municipalities and community organizations provide safe housing through the winter for residents in need, as our government continues to respond to everchanging circumstances.”
Today’s announcement is part of the government’s $510 million investment through the Social Services Relief Fund to help protect the health and safety of vulnerable people across the province.
QUICK FACTS
- In March, Ontario launched the Social Services Relief Fund with an initial allocation of $148 million to help protect the health and safety of vulnerable people during COVID-19.
- In October, over $241 million was allocated to municipalities and Indigenous community partners to help improve shelters and create opportunities for longer-term housing.
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