Jul. 26, 2007 - Excellent Program!

Funds Available to Help Homeless

On July 11, Halton Regional Council approved $3.1 million for an Expression of Interest and proposal call to prevent and address homelessness in Halton. The funds are from the Region, the Province and the Federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

"This funding will help to maintain critical services for Halton's homeless," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "The money will ensure Halton residents who are homeless or at risk of being homeless can receive ongoing emergency services, transitional housing and the supports they need for their health and well-being."

The funds made available for the Expression of Interest represents a major step in achieving the short-term priorities regarding homelessness in Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy. The Strategy incorporates a series of policies and actions to ensure a variety of affordable housing types for Halton residents, regardless of income and stage of life.

The priorities being addressed will help people retain their housing, assist homeless individuals and families with temporary housing and supports to help them regain permanent housing, and support projects for homeless youth and families. Halton Region's goal is to provide a basic level of services for the homeless in each of Halton's four Local Municipalities.

The Request for Expression of Interest will be issued during July 2007 and will close in September 2007. Guidelines and Forms will be posted on Halton Region's website, www.halton.ca. Community organizations with expertise in serving the homeless are encouraged to apply. Submissions will be evaluated by the Region and those who are successful will be invited to submit a full proposal in October 2007. Funding recommendations will be considered by Regional Council in December 2007.