Hastings-Quinte Social Services plans to apply for funding to support four programs that focus on helping people who are homeless or have other home-related issues.
A major part of the $53,000 requested would focus on people who have problems with heat and utility costs, and with hoarding issues.
Director Steve Gatward says fire prevention officers often have to deal with the hoarding issue which at times means “threat to life.”
He says there have been extreme cases of hoarding in rural communities, including hoarding of animals, paper, books and food.
A total of $15,000 is requested for cleanup and counselling.
Twenty-five thousand dollars is earmarked for assisting with rental and utility costs to secure accommodation for the homeless. Gatward says the Utility/Heat Bank would be offered to Quinte West residents and would be similar to that of Belleville.
Ten thousand dollars would go to a program to help people who are chronically homeless, and who may suffer from addiction or mental health issues, maintain their homes.
Gatward says this has been successful in Belleville and would be offered in rural and remote areas of the county.
Three thousand dollars is targeted to buy household items at the Quinte West Transitional Units.
The overall plan for applying to the provincial government for the funding now goes to Hastings County Council for approval.
