$10M a year for Indigenous housing to tackle homelessness
The Ford government will provide an extra $10 million a year to help give homeless Indigenous people access to support and transitional housing to keep them off the streets.
The province made the announcement Thursday on the new funding for two Indigenous agencies, calling it a step forward for people experiencing or nearing homelessness.
"My ministry led consultations in this sector on how we can improve the offering on supportive housing," said the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark.
"Based on that feedback, we are taking an all-of-government approach to better coordinate the services that we provide today. We need to make the system work better and work smarter across the platforms."
The money will go towards supporting the culturally sensitive programs offered by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) and the Miziwe Biik Development Corporation.
“Government funding is crucial in boosting its program offerings around the province, but especially here in the north where Indigenous people are over represented in the local homeless population,” said OAHS director of supportive housing, Kristy Jones.
A homeless count in the Timmins area last year showed at least 80 per cent of people spoken to on the streets identified as Indigenous.
Jones said funding and collaboration with government and district social services boards are keys to lasting change on this issue.
"We recently provided 102 individuals in Timmins, who are experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness, with these supports," Jones said.
"Ontario Aboriginal Housing is interested in working with all municipalities and services boards across the north to see how we can partner together on Indigenous-led solutions."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.