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Simcoe County and Empower Simcoe partner to help vulnerable residents

August 24, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

As part of its ten-point homelessness prevention strategy, the County of Simcoe has partnered with Empower Simcoe to support the region’s vulnerable residents with the County’s new community Rent Subsidy Program.

Beginning Sept. 1, the new program will provide rent subsidies for individuals and families who are or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Community Rent Subsidies ranging from $800 to $1000 will be provided for low to moderate-acuity clients who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness in the region.

This plan provides a strong data-driven strategy to help vulnerable residents and communities. The goals identified use proven methods that focus on building up the community for all, with the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness at the forefront. This is a collaborative approach to supporting service providers, the business community, and residents from all walks of life.

“County Council is committed to supporting individuals and families who are struggling to afford housing so they do not have to make the impossible choice between food and rent,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “This program will allow more people and families in the area to focus on building up their lives while they are living in safe, stable, and affordable housing. I would like to thank Empower Simcoe as they work with us to build up homes, lives, and hope across the region.”

Empower Simcoe is a charitable, non-profit organization established in 1953 by parents wishing to offer their children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement.

“Empower Simcoe is excited to be partnering with the County of Simcoe to deliver the Community Rent Subsidy Program,” said Dr. Claudine Cousins, chief executive officer at Empower Simcoe. “At a time when affordable housing continues to fall out of reach for so many of our community members, access to this subsidy is an important step toward individuals and families securing housing and avoiding homelessness.”

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