County receives one-time housing funding from Infrastructure Canada – CKNX News Today

Wellington County has received a one-time funding influx for housing projects from Infrastructure Canada.

“Recognizing that the winter weather presents additional risks to people experiencing homelessness in unsheltered areas and outdoors, Infrastructure Canada made one-time top-up funding available to communities,” according to a release from the county.

The funds are to help people find a safer and more stable place to stay.

In late December, the County received one-time funding from Infrastructure Canada under the Reaching Home program. The County received $633,318 to use by April 30, 2024.

This funding will also be used for short-term food and emergency shelter assistance.

That includes:

-supporting individuals in accessing to shelters (travel), food banks, community health centres (for showering and laundry where possible)

-tangible supplies: clothing, footwear, blankets, personal hygiene items, sleeping bags, mittens, toques, etc.

-storage for belongings up to 3 months

-transportation to home community

-disability supports not covered through the Assistive Device Programme

“On behalf of County Council, I would like to thank Infrastructure Canada for this critical funding,” said Warden Andy Lennox. “Housing and homelessness continue to be a top priority for Canadian municipalities. This generous funding will help the County support individuals who are experiencing or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness in the City of Guelph and Wellington County.”