Dufferin-Caledon receives relief funding from province to help vulnerable residents

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

On December 15, MPP Sylvia Jones announced funding from the province that is aimed to help vulnerable residents who have fallen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

MPP Jones informed the public that both Dufferin County, as well as Region of Peel, will receive additional funding under the Social Services Relief Funding. 

The Region of Peel will receive a total of $5,669,000 and Dufferin County $446,000.

The funding is aimed to enhance services including those that protect homeless shelter staff and residents, purchase or renovate current shelter facilities, add to rent banks, develop long-term housing solutions in the area as well as prepare for potential outbreaks or COVID-19 related emergencies. 

“Our government is responding to the ongoing needs of COVID-19 by providing more flexible funding to keep our vulnerable citizens safe,” said MPP Jones. “We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having supports available for those who need help, and this funding will help our social services continue providing essential support.”

The funding is coming from the Social Services Relief Fund, which originated in March with a amount of $148 million to help support and protect those who are vulnerable while living amid the pandemic. 

The funding also helps individuals who aren't able to qualify for emergency support programs provided by the Federal government. 

Though homelessness isn't as visible in Caledon as it may be in other areas such as Toronto due to the vast amount of rural landscape, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. This funding will help Caledon residents who are at most risk and struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. 

“Our provincial government's investment in the Region of Peel is truly a godsend. It will support the most marginalized and at-risk residents in our communities and allow organizations like Caledon Community Services to step up and extend themselves to our community with increased services and supports,” said Caledon Community Services CEO Monty Laskin.

“The County of Dufferin welcomes the announcement they will be awarded discretionary funding which will allow the County to extend some of its pandemic programming longer term, to ensure better sustainability for those most in need,” said Anna McGregor, Director of Community Services for Dufferin County.

In addition, this past October, over $241 million was announced and allocated in support of improving shelters and opportunities for long-term housing for municipalities and Indigenous community partners. 

“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.”

For further information, please visit Ontario.ca.