York Region receives provincial cash to help homeless

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 14, 2014
By Chris Traber

York Region will receive $10.5 million from the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, a key part of Ontario’s new Poverty Reduction Strategy.

The funds will help those dealing with homelessness in York Region get access to housing - an important first step to moving out of poverty - Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan said at Tuesday’s announcement.

The initiative sets a bold long-term goal to end homelessness in Ontario by focusing more closely on those who are currently homeless or at risk of being homeless, Chan said. It builds on Ontario’s long-term affordable housing strategy that is transforming the housing system by focusing on better outcomes for those in need.

This year, approximately $294 million is being provided to municipalities through the initiative to help address specific homelessness needs in their communities. This includes an additional $42 million annually that was announced in the recent provincial budget.

Through a housing first approach, this program supports more local, flexible and tailored solutions for Ontario’s most vulnerable, Chan said. This helps people obtain permanent affordable housing and access the unique supports they need as they transition out of homelessness.