KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is providing $2,392,400 to help the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep vulnerable people safe.
“With this new investment, the City of Kawartha Lakes Consolidated Municipal Service Manager has received a total of $8,337,030 for the administration of Social Services programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County through the Social Services Relief Fund,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This funding will support local shelters, create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable community members affected by COVID-19.”
Municipalities and Indigenous community partners can use the funding to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing, and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.
“We’d like to thank the Ontario government and MPP Laurie Scott for this new phase of funding,” commented Rod Sutherland, Director of Human Services, City of Kawartha Lakes. “The Social Services Relief Fund has provided direct support to many vulnerable groups in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, including those who are homeless, at-risk of becoming homeless and those in need of additional support to meet their basic needs. It is hoped that this funding will further assist in meeting short term COVID-19 recovery needs, as well as help build longer term solutions.”
“Municipalities have been on the frontlines of Ontario’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations, including homeless populations,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, and today’s funding will help our local partners deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”