Halton Region has a plan to spend more than $10 million to fight homelessness in Oakville, Burlington, Milton
Published March 21, 2023 at 3:31 pm
Halton Region is finalizing plans to spend nearly $10 million in Homelessness Prevention Program Funding in Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills.
The third and final installment from the province covers the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
According the report before Regional council, the funding will be used to assist Halton residents to retain housing and prevent homelessness.
Regional staff, however, don’t feel like the funding, which is the same as it was last year, is adequate, as inflationary and pandemic-related cost increases have not been recognized.
The report recommends, “the Regional chair write to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting an increase to Halton Region’s base provincial Homelessness Prevention Program allocation. The Province should ensure that Halton Region is appropriately funded for homelessness-related costs.”
The report outlines several issues the region has with the funding. In addition to the lack of increase already noted, there are complaints about the amount of the funding that can be used for administrative purposes (down to five per cent from the previous 10 per cent) and an increase in reporting requirements.
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The plan is to use the money in four areas:
- Emergency shelter program
- Supportive housing
- Community outreach and supports
- Housing assistance
The Region also receives $2.1M in federal funding to combat homelessness.
“The Province must ensure Halton Region is appropriately funded for homelessness related costs. The Region will continue to work with municipal partners and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario on areas of joint advocacy to the Province for increased funding related to housing and homelessness.”
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