Midhurst/August 17, 2023 – As part of its 10-point homelessness prevention strategy, the County of Simcoe has partnered with Empower Simcoe to support the region’s vulnerable residents with the County’s new Community Rent Subsidy Program. Beginning September 1st, 2023, this new program will provide rent subsidies for individuals and families who are, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness.
Community Rent Subsidies ranging from $800 to $1000 will be provided for low- to moderate-acuity clients who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness in the region.
This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe invests in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy
The County of Simcoe is implementing a 10-point strategy designed specifically to assist with the prevention of homelessness across the region. This plan provides a strong, data-driven strategy to help vulnerable residents and our communities.
The goals identified use proven methods that focuses on building up our community for all, with the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness at the forefront. They take a collaborative approach to supporting service providers, the business community, and residents from all walks of life.
For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
Quotes
“County Council is committed to supporting individuals and families who are struggling to afford housing so they do not have to make the impossible choice between food and rent. This program will allow more people and families in the area to focus on building up their lives while they are living in safe, stable, and affordable housing. I would like to thank Empower Simcoe as they work with us to build up homes, lives, and hope across the region.”
~ Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“Empower Simcoe is excited to be partnering with the County of Simcoe to deliver the Community Rent Subsidy Program. At a time when affordable housing continues to fall out of reach for so many of our community members, access to this subsidy is an important step toward individuals and families securing housing and avoiding homelessness.”
~ Dr. Claudine Cousins, Chief Executive Officer, Empower Simcoe
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
About Empower Simcoe
Empower Simcoe is a charitable, non-profit organization that was established in 1953 by parents wishing to offer their children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement. The agency provides services for children, teens, and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families, programs that promote the healthy development of children of all abilities, and services that respond to community needs including a housing registry co-sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association. To find out more information on our supports and services, please visit empowersimcoe.ca.
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CONTACTS:
Jamie Hall
Digital Solutions and Brand Marketing Manager
Empower Simcoe
705-726-9082 (office)
JHall@empowersimcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca