In support of the homelessness crisis in our community, the Province recently announced a funding boost of $761,600 to support Muskoka’s Homelessness Prevention Program, enabling the District to move forward with providing more support to those in need.
Since 2019, the number of people in Muskoka who required help for emergency and transitional housing has almost doubled. The number of shelter nights has increased by 607% in just four years, and the cost for shelter nights has increased by 510% during the same period.
“Muskoka is seeing a significant increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and needing support for emergency or transitional shelter” said Maureen Callaghan, Manager of Homelessness Prevention in her report to Community and Planning Services in March. “Stays in these locations are now much longer as there are no affordable options for housing, and the cost has increased.”
Recognizing the homelessness crisis in our community, on April 17, 2023 Muskoka District Council adopted a resolution to declare homelessness an emergency – illustrating a deep commitment to working closely with the provincial and federal governments on addressing homelessness in Muskoka.
Provincial funding boost means we can start now.
Thanks to the funding boost from the Province, the District can continue to provide homelessness prevention programs and services and take immediate action to help those who need it most.
“A situation that was somewhat hidden in Muskoka in the years leading to 2019, has significantly increased and become much more visible during and post-pandemic,” said Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services. “Everyday costs have increased significantly over the past year due to inflation. Where some mid to low-income individuals and families could have managed in the past, they are no longer living sustainably without some help. We know they are frequently having to make hard choices about whether to put food on the table or a roof over their heads. This funding will help us support our fellow community members who are facing homelessness by helping with costs such as food, transportation, rent, utilities, mental health supports and help to keep them housed during a time of crisis.”
“This 58% increase in funding reflects our government’s commitment to helping our municipal partners take meaningful action to address homelessness in our communities. There’s more to be done but I’m pleased that the District of Muskoka is receiving these funds as they will be used to make an immediate and tangible improvement in the lives of our most vulnerable residents,” said MPP Graydon Smith, Parry Sound-Muskoka.
“The recent funding from the Province allow us to take meaningful action and support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, right away. This is not just an investment in resources and services, but an investment in the lives of our fellow community members. In addition to investing in emergency supports, we can now start to work on the wrap-around services that help with the root causes of homelessness,” said District Chair Jeff Lehman.