The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million. This includes $20,771,400 for Niagara, an increase of eighty-six percent. The increased funding for Niagara amounts to $62,314,200 over three years, resulting in a total increase of almost 30 million from 2022/23. Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff says “This significant increase almost doubling provincial funding for supportive housing in Niagara is part of our plan to address the housing crisis across the province. Today’s announcement builds on our efforts through Bill 23 and Bill 97 to build more homes and make life more affordable for Ontario families.”
Regional Chair Jim Bradley says “It is clear there is a significant need for homeless program funding across our community and these new monies will go a long way in supporting the most vulnerable residents in all 12 of our communities. I want to thank our talented and tenacious staff for continuing to advocate for Niagara – without their persistent communication I do not believe this would have become a reality. I also want to thank the province for listening to our concerns and making the investments necessary to ensure we can better help those experiencing homelessness across Niagara – I know this new money will be put to good use.”
