MPP Smith announces $200 million in social services relief funding

Todd Smith, Bay of Quinte MPP 

Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte and Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services announced today the provincial government is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to municipalities, charities, food banks, shelters and non-profits in response to COVID-19.

“Protecting our must vulnerable is an absolute priority as the COVID-19 crisis continues to develop,” said Smith. “We’re expanding access to temporary emergency assistance so that individuals who have no other means of financial support can stay safe and healthy.”

The funding is to help individuals who do not qualify for emergency financial supports under federal programs. The government is putting in place an expanded Emergency Assistance program administered through Ontario Works (OW) to cover these individuals’ needs such as food, rent, informal childcare, and services. There will also be discretionary benefits available to those who already receive social assistance.

This new funding will help individuals and families in financial crisis who are not able to access federal assistance to cover needs such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other services during this public health crisis.

Funding will be made available to organizations delivering social services to vulnerable First Nations individuals and families. Individuals can apply online at Ontario.ca/community.

The province will be also providing municipalities and organizations that administer social services with funding to support them in their response to COVID-19. The funding is to help municipalities and social service providers such as shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profits continue to deliver critical services, hire additional staff, and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation to keep clients safe and healthy. Ontario’s municipal service managers will determine local needs and distribute the funding, ensuring clients are receiving the support they need.

“We are doing our part to show the Ontario spirit and we will make sure no one gets left behind,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Organizations across the province are doing critical work right now to help vulnerable Ontarians and these funds will allow them to directly help those who need it most.”

This fund will also help local communities support their shelter systems during this health crisis. The province’s 47 municipal service managers will deliver this funding, ensuring clients are receiving the support they need, and will make local decisions on community funding.

“We are acting quickly to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless during this unprecedented time,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding will go straight to communities, who know best what the immediate needs are on the ground in their local shelters.”

Last week, Ontario announced a $304 million investment in COVID-19 response, including $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth.