Bruce and Grey counties will see a substantial increase in their funding to address homelessness.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers said the County of Grey will see an extra $1,237,200, for a total of $3,282,800, while Bruce County will receive $1,536,900, which is up by $599,400.
Byers believes the investment will make a real impact by allowing support housing providers to help homeless and vulnerable people.
The 2023 Ontario budget increased funding for supportive housing and homelessness prevention by $200-million annually, up 40 per cent. Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs is nearly $700-million.
“We know Ontario’s housing supply crisis impacts all Ontarians, no matter their background or budget,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why we’ve increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by more than 40 per cent. These measures complement the bold and transformational change we are implementing to tackle the housing supply crisis and get more homes built faster across Ontario.”
Most of that money will go to the Homelessness Prevention Program to allow Ontario’s 47 Service Managers to be able to more efficiently use existing resources to support vulnerable people, and the flexibility to allocate funding. The remaining $11.5 million each year will be invested in the Indigenous Supportive Housing Program.
“Through strong partnerships and quality investment, Bruce County is able to build a strong housing response system for vulnerable residents,” said Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody. "Anyone that is homeless, or at risk of homelessness, is encouraged to contact local 211 services to secure a safe place to stay for the night, and learn about other services that may support residents in maintaining their current housing in Bruce County.”
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. “Housing and homelessness prevention are a priority for Grey County, and this additional support for municipalities will help us work together to increase the supply of housing and tackle the homelessness crisis in Ontario.”
