Fears in northern Ont. as cuts to homeless funding would affect front-line workers
Social services agencies across the north are sounding the alarm after funding cuts on homelessness programs were recently published.
The cuts range from 50 to 70 per cent in the north, as the federal government’s Reaching Home program ends in two years.
Service providers in North Bay said they are shocked.
“At a time when the federal government has a mandate to end chronic homelessness in the country, it is quite a shocking blow to our funding to have that funding cut by 58 per cent during a housing crisis,” said Stephanie Hopkin, chair of the Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Board.
Hopkin said the end of the program will mean that five outreach worker positions from the Canadian Mental Health Association and John Howard Society will be eliminated.
There are between eight and 10 of these positions currently funded by the social services board.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
“Some of these workers are caseworkers that work directly with getting people housed or keeping people housed in the community,” Hopkin said.
“Some of them focus specifically on Aboriginal clients who are experiencing homelessness in Sault Ste. Marie, and some of them work with those who are experiencing homelessness and also experience mental health and addictions in Sault Ste. Marie.”
The 11 northern social service boards got together to ask the federal government to change course -- or at least match the provincial funding for the next three years.
But in the three months since the request was made, the boards have not received a response.
“At least we have that two-year runway to do the advocacy piece and see what we can do here internally to absorb,” Hopkin said
“But it will have a direct impact on our service delivery if it is not adjusted in the next couple of years.”
CTV News contacted the federal Ministry of Housing for a response on the cuts, but did not receive a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Truck engulfed in flames with owner on scene in Scarborough
A truck was engulfed in flames in the early hours in Scarborough on Saturday.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.