Hastings County has received special provincial and federal funding to help protect vulnerable people from COVID-19
The county’s social services business plan has been approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a total planning allocation of $954,853, for the fiscal year 2020 to 2021.
Funding for capital projects will be dispersed based on project submissions.
To ensure the Phase 2 funding is targeted where it is needed most, the Ministry has indicated it held back 25% of the Social Services Relief Fund.
In a letter to Warden Rick Phillips the Minister of Municipal Affairs Steve Clark says, “The Social Services Relief Fund has been effective in supporting service managers and Indigenous Program Administrators to respond quickly, adapt services, and address housing and economic impacts of COVID-19 in their communities. The additional investment of SSRF Phase Two can help Service Managers ad Indigenous Program Administrators continue to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, expand rent support programming and create longer-term housing solutions.”
The letter also notes, “Decisions on how to allocate this hold back (25%) will be determined over the coming weeks and months based on emerging public health needs and progress to date as indicated through required program reporting.”
