October 7, 2019
The St. Catharines Standard – Ontario
Grant LaFleche
Cost to continue homelessness services in Niagara rising
It’s going to cost Niagara much more than regional council appears willing to spend to keep its homelessness programs running at their current level next year, according to a new report by the regional community services department.
The report, which will be discussed by the public health and social services committee Tuesday, says to maintain service levels — that includes funding beds in shelters, outreach and prevention programs — the Region will have to add $800,000 to the $10.8-million homelessness services budget.
“That is well beyond the budget guidance of council,” said Cathy Cousins, the municipality’s director of homelessness services and community engagement.