Several local community organizations are concerned that homelessness may soon be on the rise in Guelph due to cuts to two provincial programs.
In its 2012 budget, the provincial government cut nearly $70 million in funding for the Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit and the Home Repairs Benefit, a news release said. The two programs provide funds for people receiving Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program benefits, helping with housing-related costs such as rent deposits, utilities arrears and necessary home repairs.
“Nearly 8,000 people in our community will be at a greater risk of homelessness because of these cuts,” said Welcome In Drop In Centre executive director Gail Hoekstra in the release. “This will create a lot of additional stress to these individuals and families that are already dealing with often complex life issues, as well as increase pressure to the support services and programs in Guelph and Wellington County.”
Also expressing concern are representatives from Churches OutREach (CORE), Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County, and the Guelph Community Health Centre. Health centre executive director David Thornley, a co-chair of the Guelph and Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination, has written to the government urging it to restore funding.
The groups are also asking people to contact their local MPP to speak out against the cuts.