Ontario sending York Region $8.1M in social services relief funding

The additional COVID-19 pandemic funding can be used to improve delivery of critical services, protect homeless shelter staff and residents, renovate and purchase shelter facilities, add to rent banks, create longer-term housing solutions

Newmarkettoday.ca
Dec. 11, 2020

Today, the Ontario government announced that York Region will receive an additional $8,134,700 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.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our government’s top priority has been protecting the health and safety of all Ontarians, that includes making sure that everyone has a roof over their head and a safe place to stay,” said Christine Elliott, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “This additional funding will help our community protect some of our most vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“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.”

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.”

“This announcement of more than $8 million in new funding for York Region brings the total funding to over $21 million, and will be used to keep vulnerable communities safe as we fight COVID-19,” said Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville. “This additional funding will help us ensure that more people have a safe, secure roof over their head.”

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.