Provincial move could affect local services

Hastings-Quinte social service officials are concerned that a provincial move to consolidate five homelessness prevention programs  could mean less money.

Executive Director Steve Gatward told the Social Services Committee  he’s concerned it affects emergency hostel services.

He says it would affect the department’s ability to help people avoid evictions, and help them if they need to move for health related reasons.

The province will begin the new funding formula next year.

The committee was told there could be a “significant shortfall” which would have to be considered in the 2013 social services budget.