The Downtown Belleville District BIA’s Welcoming Streets Program has secured funding to keep it operating for another two years.
The program which supports homeless and vulnerable individuals in the downtown, as well as local businesses facing unknown circumstances, is receiving $384,000 via a Community Safety and Policing grant through the Belleville Police Service.
Welcoming Streets was funded by Hastings County in 2021 and 2022 and the City of Belleville in 2023.
Belleville Police Chief Mike Callaghan says they are pleased to partner with Welcoming Streets to ensure the program continues to support the community during a very challenging time.
The Community Safety and Policing grant, through the Office of the Solicitor General, provides police services with the necessary tools and resources to assist community initiatives.
Director Sara Behring says the funding will allow the program to continue its critical work playing a pivotal role in fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in Belleville’s downtown.
Behring tells Quinte News they are currently accepting applications to hire another steward.
The Downtown Belleville District BIA also continues to seek additional grant and partnership opportunities with a goal of expanding the program to include more outreach workers and address the evolving needs of the community.
