Municipal officials in Chatham-Kent are hopeful that more provincial funding will come in to address the local homelessness crisis.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton announced $2.8-million for the area as part of the province's new Homelessness Prevention Program, but local officials say that won't be enough to cover the growing need locally.
Polly Smith, Director of Employment and Social Services, said that funding will cover the base budget for a lot of the work the municipality already does - homelessness prevention, rent subsidy, and helping youth experiencing homelessness.
"The funding will allow us to continue those programs," said Smith. "This is really an increase of about $177,000 on our base funding from the province on homelessness."
Over the past two years, Chatham-Kent received over $6 million in Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) over four installments, which has helped fund emergency housing programs. That funding runs out on March 31.
Smith said the municipality is waiting to hear about that same funding and if there will be any to address the homelessness crisis.
"We don't know what's going to happen," said Smith. "We've had to develop plans based on not having funding."
Additional funding would help the municipality find homes for people, fund community partners, and increase hours of service.
"It would definitely be helpful," said Smith. "That funding is very valuable to our community, beyond the municipal programs."
The lease on Chatham-Kent's current emergency housing provider is set to expire at the end of May. Meanwhile, a proposal to expand the emergency shelter to downtown Chatham's Hope Haven was put off Monday after other options were brought forward.
Smith said the municipality has been searching for a space for two years but has run into several roadblocks.
"We need to explore those but we do need to act fast," said Smith. "Anything is on the table at this time."
