Hastings County has approved funding for a long list of agencies that will provide homeless support services over the next three years.
The County will receive $2.2 million in provincial funding under the Community Homeless Prevention Initiative for the fiscal years of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022.
The provincial Ministry of Affairs and Housing indicates the money is to address local priorities and meet the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Proposals by 17 different agencies have been approved.
More than 20 agencies had requested funding totalling $4.2 million.
Director of Community and Human Services Erin Rivers tells Quinte News the idea is to avoid duplication of services
About half the money is used by the county for services.
In her report to council, Rivers says, “Given evolving needs and pressures within the homelessness portfolio, departmental staff will monitor spending deficits and surpluses and may need to redistribute agency funding based on demonstrated need…and identified service gaps…”
A bid by Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline, to have one of the declined agencies reconsidered, lost on a recorded vote.
