The following is a press release from the Ontario government:
On Wednesday, Daryl Kramp, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington, announced Hastings and Lennox and Addington Counties will receive an additional $725,500 in new social services relief funding.
The discretionary funds can be used to improve the delivery of critical services, protect homeless shelter staff and residents, renovate and purchase shelter facilities, add to rent banks, create longer-term housing solutions and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.
“Our government is responding to the ongoing needs of COVID-19 by providing more flexible funding to keep our vulnerable citizens safe,” said MPP Kramp. “We know that COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of having a place to call home, and this additional funding will help ensure everyone can find – and keep – a safe and secure roof over their head.”
Of the new funding locally, $522,300 goes to Hastings County, which includes Belleville; one-third of Belleville is in MPP Kramp’s riding, the balance is in the Bay of Quinte riding of Todd Smith. And $203,200 of the new funding goes to Lennox and Addington County. In total, Hastings has received $2,306,553 in social services relief funding in 2020 and the smaller L&A County has received a total of $1,785,857 from the province.
The Ontario Government is allocating an additional $120 million across the province to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners protect vulnerable people during COVID-19. This investment builds upon the second phase of social services relief funding announced this fall.
“Our government continues to respond to the pandemic with significant investments for our municipal and Indigenous partners,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As the public health situation continues to evolve, we are providing more support, so our partners are in a better position to protect those who need it most.”
Wednesday’s announcement is part of the government’s $510 million investment through the Social Services Relief Fund to help protect the health and safety of vulnerable people across the province.