Homeless shelters in Chatham-Kent are getting an additional $1.695 million from the province to help keep vulnerable people and shelter workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province said municipalities can use the funding to acquire motel and hotel spaces to support physical distancing of shelter residents, hire more shelter staff, buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies, and add to rent and utility banks to prevent more people from becoming homeless.
Polly Smith, Director of Employment and Social Services for Chatham-Kent, said the municipality has been anxiously awaiting word on the funding and her management team will soon finalize an investment plan for the funds.
"While there are less people sleeping rough or outside than a few months ago, many people are still forced to stay in housing that is not safe, sustainable or affordable and are thus still part of the homelessness crisis in Chatham-Kent," said Smith. "Providing emergency housing and rapid rehousing will continue to be our first priorities for this funding for the next year. Funds are also being used to develop more sustainable emergency and transitional housing in the community until more affordable and supportive housing can be built and more needed services are available."
Local MPPs said the new cash is in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in some emergency shelters and to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, and help prevent more people from becoming homeless.
"As the weather is still below zero on some nights, it is important to keep our vulnerable citizens who rely on shelters to stay warm and COVID free," said Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nichols. "As numbers begin to increase in some emergency shelters, it is our responsibility to help these vulnerable people with the funding support they need, and this will sequentially aid in reducing the curve amongst other populations."
The Ontario Government said Chatham-Kent has so far received a total of just over $5 million in Social Services Relief Funding over three installments.
"In times of crisis, it’s important we continue to look out for the most vulnerable members of our community," said Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton. "This funding will ensure Chatham-Kent has the resources needed for the final push to defeat COVID-19 while supporting those at risk of being left behind."
Ontario has provided a total of $765 million to help municipalities support shelters, create longer-term housing solutions, and help vulnerable Ontarians affected by COVID-19, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Smith added that Employment and Social Services will continue to directly help people become and stay housed, and provide funding to organizations that actively help the homeless and those assisting people to stay housed as part of the service continuum.
Anyone experiencing a risk of homelessness or a homelessness crisis should call 519-351-8573 or 519-354-6628 after hours.
