Ontario Establishing Fund to help Vulnerable Populations

Ontario is providing more help for emergency services for shelters.  The province will use $40 million to create the Residential Relief fund.  The announcement is part of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Our government is doing everything it can to help Ontario’s most vulnerable get through this difficult and challenging time,” Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Todd Smith said.  The money will be used to help shelters cover the costs of additional staffing, residential respite for caregivers; personal protective equipment (PPE), and initiatives to support physical distancing and transportation to minimize client exposure.

“I want to personally thank all the staff and managers who are working on the frontlines of the developmental services sector for keeping our most vulnerable citizens safe during this unprecedented time,” Smith said.  The fund will help children & Youth , people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

“This is a trying time for everyone, as we continue to stay at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, but we know that home isn’t safe for everyone. That’s why it’s critical during this time that residential organizations for people fleeing violence have the security they need to continue supporting vulnerable women,” Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Jill Dunlop said. For more information on the new fund visit this website