The County of Lambton is welcoming the announcement that a fifth installment of social services relief funding will be received.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said just over $1.13 million is being directed to the county to support vulnerable populations at risk or experiencing homelessness.
“Over the last two years, the Ontario government has supported Lambton County with $10,527,292 in funding through the Social Services Relief Fund to help vulnerable residents in Lambton County find housing,” Bailey said. “I am extremely pleased that our government continues to help our municipal partners with funding to deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”
Social Services Division General Manager Valerie Colasanti said the latest installment comes at a much needed time.
"We'll be using that to assist with payment for our overflow shelter, which will be closing at the end of April, but we had run out of social services relief funds earlier this year so we were going to have to use county dollars out of our reserve," said Colasanti. "So, this is great that we can use these dollars."
Colasanti said the funds will also be used for short term rent supplements to assist individuals experiencing homelessness move into housing.
"We can use this for first and last month's rent and other support. Many of these individuals do struggle with mental health and/ or addictions. So, we would be able to provide support for them to deal with those issues while they remain housed."
Colasanti said the homelessness situation in Lambton has improved.
"We have been able to move people successfully into housing, so we feel that we have enough beds within our existing shelter system that we can shut down the overflow shelter and that was the plan. It had been opened up under the province's emergency program, so it will shut down by April 27."
Colasanti said while the number of individuals needing assistance has not lowered to pre-COVID levels of around 60, the number is under 100.
At the peak, over 200 individuals were receiving assistance.
County council unanimously asked the province to extend the funds to the end of 2022 last June.
