Efforts to help people experiencing homelessness were discussed by the Hastings County Community and Human Services Committee during their Wednesday meeting.
During the meeting, the committee received the march Director’s Report, which touched on the issue.
According to new data, nearly 85,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in 2025, which is up 8% over 2024. The figure also represents a 50 per cent increase since 2021. The committee was warned that without action, homelessness rates could double by 2035.
The director included a recommendation by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario in the report, which advised to maintain federal funding through the national housing strategy in order to maintain critical programs to prevent homelessness.
A second report also highlighted how Hastings county is also directly funding initiatives to reduce homelessness, with institutions such as Three Oaks, The John Howard Society, and Youth Habilitation Quinte receiving funds for programs targeted at helping those experiencing homelessness, or preventing people from becoming homeless.
A total of $1,101,144 was recommended to be approved for those initiatives, and the recommendation was sent on to council for approval.
