Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis

New Funding for Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Will

Help with Delivery of Critical Support Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2020

Port Dover  — The Ontario government is providing $ 2,017,300 to Haldimand and Norfolk Counties to help protect the province’s most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

“During these worrisome times, the health and safety of people is our top priority, and that certainly includes our most vulnerable in Haldimand-Norfolk,” said MPP Toby Barrett.

This funding is the riding’s share of the new $148 million Social Services Relief Fund under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Minister Steve Clark and MPP Barrett made a joint announcement today by letter.

The funding can be used by municipalities and social service providers such as homeless shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profits to support delivery of critical services, hire additional staff, acquire more personal protective equipment, and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation to keep people safe and healthy. Haldimand and Norfolk Counties will determine how this funding is distributed locally to provide people in the community with the support they need.

“We are acting quickly to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless during this unprecedented time,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding is going straight to communities, who know best what the immediate needs are on the ground.”

The $148 million to local service managers and Indigenous program administrators all across Ontario will give them flexibility to expand the key services they already offer to meet their local needs. For example, this funding could be used for emergency loans for people having a hard time paying rent. It is up to communities to respond to local needs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES


*  This money is part of Ontario’s $200 million services relief funding to help protect the province’s most vulnerable people.

*  Visit Ontario’s website to take the online COVID-19 assessment or to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629