General News

County and Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle partner to provide support for Indigenous individuals

December 4, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The County of Simcoe and the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle are partnering to provide Indigenous services and support across the region to foster stronger relationships and enhance access to culturally appropriate support for Indigenous residents.

In its commitment to enhancing support for individuals with high needs who are living unhoused in communities throughout Simcoe County, the county is dedicating five per cent of provincial Homelessness Prevention Program funding, a total of $440,082, and eight per cent of federal Reaching Home funding, totalling $210.554.28, to Indigenous service providers.

In 2024, the County’s Social and Community Services Division will develop a formal framework focusing on collaborative work with Indigenous partners.

“It is crucial to County Council that we continue to support our friends and partners in Indigenous communities throughout the region,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “This funding to assist BANAC’s Naadamaadiwag-Helping Each Other Program is truly important for not only the individuals that are being served today, but for all of those in the future who may find themselves unhoused. This collaboration between BANAC and the County solidifies a people-first approach and ensures that no one is left out in the cold this winter.”

BANAC’s Naadamaadiwag-Helping Each Other Program, which began on Sept. 1, offers culturally appropriate support for Indigenous individuals who find themselves unhoused. The project will assist Indigenous people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Simcoe County by providing housing and support services that reduce and prevent chronic homelessness. The project is a multi-partner collaboration among three Indigenous agencies – the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association, and Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle.

“On behalf of the Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle (BRAWC) and the Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association, the Barrie Area Native Advisory is pleased to announce our multi collaboration that will assist Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and deliver direct community outreach and support services,” said Amanda Maynard, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle. “This collaboration will allow greater opportunity through establishing an Indigenous access point and providing culturally appropriate supports across Simcoe County.”

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