The City of Windsor is getting another $114,121 in funding from the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit to help those experiencing homelessness find affordable housing.
It brings total funding through the benefit to $890,421 this fiscal year.
The benefit is portable and goes directly to those who need it, so they have more choices in their search for a long-term home. It also relieves pressure on the emergency shelter system so municipalities can help more people in need.
"This funding will help the City of Windsor wind down encampment sites, which are a public safety concern and not a solution to homelessness," said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra. "Mayors have asked us for help in managing this complex issue, and that is why we are providing additional funding to those municipalities that have committed to using the investment to clear encampments and provide people in need with safer accommodation."
Municipalities can also apply for funding to create more long-term affordable housing units and expand shelter capacity. The province has $70-million available to give to cities and towns based on need and depends on a local service manager's written pledge to use the funds for its intended purpose.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says the city is committed to ensuring no one has to sleep outside.
"Every bit of provincial funding support received helps us make significant strides towards our collective goals of helping individuals find housing and freeing up shelter space where it is needed most," he said. "Through this program, Windsor is receiving around $900,000 this year, which will assist approximately 170 households to move from an emergency shelter to longer-term housing."
