By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini announces an additional $1.6-million in Social Services Relief Funding to help the County of Northumberland deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep vulnerable people safe.
This additional funding brings the total of Social Services Relief Funding to the county to $5.6-million – part of the province's additional $307-million to help municipalities and Indigenous communities respond to COVID-19, the announcement said.
This investment builds upon $765-million in Social Services Relief Funding announced in 2020-2021 to total more than $1-billion.
In his press release, Piccini acknowledged the critical work being done by the county's Community and Social Services Department.
“This additional investment continues to ensure our municipal service manager is able to have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, respond to local needs, protect and serve our most vulnerable populations and support long-term measures that will boost our collaborative and coordinated response to homelessness,” the MPP said.
“The plan for these funds have been well thought out by social services staff and system partners, and really focus on sustainable local solutions.”
These funds can be used to protect homeless-shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and emergencies.
“We sincerely appreciate the continued support from the province to ensure responsive, coordinated services for the most vulnerable residents of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Warden Bob Crate stated.
“This investment of additional Social Services Relief Funding will sustain critical shelter, housing and outreach supports for Northumberland residents experiencing – or at risk of – homelessness, helping system partners to protect the health and safety of this at-risk population while navigating the impacts of the pandemic and transitioning to community recovery.”
Ontario launched Social Services Relief Funding in March 2020 to help protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable during COVID-19. Today's announcement includes $21-million of funding under the previously announced Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative that is being allocated to support community housing.
