August 16, 2021
TORONTO —The Ontario government is providing an additional $307 million to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep people safe. This investment builds upon the $765 million dollars of Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) announced in 2020- 2021, for a total support to communities of over $1 billion.
“Municipalities have been on the frontlines of Ontario’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations, including homeless populations,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, and today’s funding will help our local partners deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”
Municipalities and Indigenous community partners can use the funding to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing, and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.
Quick Facts
Ontario launched the Social Services Relief Fund in March 2020 to help protect the health and safety of the province’s most vulnerable during COVID-19.
Today’s announcement includes $21 million of funding under the previously announced Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) that is being allocated to help support community housing.
Ontario’s service managers and Indigenous program administrators are responsible for providing shelter or housing and supports for those who are experiencing homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and members of Indigenous communities who are in need.
As part of the Community Housing Renewal Strategy and response to COVID-19, Ontario is investing approximately $1.3 billion in 2021-2022 to help sustain, repair and grow community housing and help end homelessness. This includes the Social Services Relief Fund.
Additional Resources
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.
Learn more about Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.
For up-to-date information on the province’s vaccine rollout and instructions on how to book an appointment, visit Ontario’s vaccine webpage.