Warden Issues Statement Regarding $2.9-Million Investment from Province

Friday, 5 May 2023 07:36

Warden Marcus Ryan is thanking the Ford Government for the recently announced $2.9-million investment towards homelessness prevention in Oxford County.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Warden of Oxford County was very happy to find out about the Ford Government's $2.9-million investment towards homeless prevention in our community.

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman announced the funding on Wednesday and he said it's going to be distributed to local organizations that offer housing supports.

“This much-needed funding increase will help Oxford provide more supports for the most vulnerable in our community. More supportive housing and homelessness prevention services can help those at risk live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.”

In a statement released yesterday, Warden Marcus Ryan said the funding comes at a pivotal time for Oxford because the county is currently looking at a 48-year timeline in order to house people on its housing waiting list. He also thanked the Ford Government for recognizing the need in Oxford through this funding.

You can read Warden Ryan's full statement below:

“The Government of Ontario’s announcement yesterday to invest $2.9 million in homelessness prevention in Oxford County is welcome news for our residents, who have told us that homelessness is a key concern in our communities.

Currently, Oxford County looking at a 48-year timeline to house the people on its housing waitlist (Master Housing Strategy, 2022). Knowing that unaffordable rents are the biggest contributing factor to homelessness in our community (Homeless Enumeration, 2021), this investment comes at a pivotal time.

The $1.2 million increase in funding will be used to help meet the urgent, essential, day-to-day needs of Oxford’s most vulnerable citizens-- not only emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness, but also urgent support for people experiencing a housing crisis because of low-income, inability to provide a rent deposit or debt from utility arrears.

Combined with the $1.25 million increase in affordable housing Oxford County Council allocated this year, and $3 million annually moving forward, Oxford is working towards its vision of housing for all.

Our thanks to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the need in Oxford. As a Council, we will continue to advocate for support and solutions for affordable housing, including funding for mental health and addictions, so that all of the citizens we can help with temporary measures today have a chance for success moving forward.”