Simcoe County to receive $4 million from feds and province to aid vulnerable people during pandemic

Most homeless shelters have moved their occupants to motels to enhance physical distancing

The Ontario government will provide $2.4 million to the County of Simcoe to support vulnerable people during the COVID-19 outbreak. The money is part of the province’s $200 million dollar Social Services Relief Fund.

A staff report to County Council today said the funds can be used for a broad range of social services. Staff is working with community agencies so the money can be allocated in a timely fashion.

There is also a component to provide funding to support individuals who are current or non-social assistance clients. For people who are not receiving social assistance, there will be expanded access to emergency aid for those facing a crisis or emergency situation and have no access to other supports. People already receiving social assistance will be able to obtain additional financial help if they need increased support for extraordinary needs.

Staff said within the first two weeks of the pandemic, there was a 35 per cent increase for applications for social assistance.

The rest of the funding from the province is to be used to assist vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness and people fleeing domestic abuse or other violent situations.

Options for the County include use of motels or hotels, housing allowances, transportation costs, food and supplies, enhanced cleaning services and protective equipment.

There is also wiggle room to use some of that money to be used in social housing and supportive housing to assist with housing costs for tenants, and the provision of food and supplies for households in quarantine or isolation.

The federal government is also giving the County of Simcoe $1.6 million as part of a program to support people who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Staff indicated there has been a spike in the number of people using shelters since the pandemic, including individuals who have been released from jail and individuals who may have been couch serving with family or friends and where that is longer feasible.

County staff indicated that six homeless shelters including David Busby, Elizabeth Fry and Youth Haven in Barrie, as well as the Lighthouse in Orillia, Out of the Cold in Collingwood and the Guest-House in Midland have currently moved their occupants to motels. The Salvation Army in Barrie continues to operate from its regular shelter where floor space and staff capacity is sufficient to allow for physical distancing and isolation. Out of the Cold in Alliston is also continuing with its current shelter.

Providers of homeless shelters have been directed to hire extra staff to provide 24/7 coverage at the motels as well as any required security. As for food preparation, there has been no major disruption, though one shelter has contracted a chef to provide meals to occupants on site.

Shelters have indicated that in the area of mental health, they are struggling to provide services and supports as many other community agencies have altered or closed their services.

The County is also in discussion with shelter providers about paramedics providing weekly wellness checks at the motel sites.

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