United Way Simcoe Muskoka is helping fund 22 rural Ontario projects, and four of those are right here in Muskoka.
According to officials, this round of funding is aimed at supporting Indigenous organizations, increasing housing availability, and assisting those experiencing homelessness across the province.
Officials say a $12.1 million funding disbursement over three years will support efforts to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability in rural and remote communities province-wide.
Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer with the organization, says of that money, the local projects will see $1.6 million. It includes those with YWCA, Elizabeth Fry, Mind-Aid and Habitat for Humanity.
Shelley says the YWCA project will boost the Circle of Muskoka project, which provides living support for low-income individuals and those at risk of experiencing homelessness with peer-to-peer coaching and support.
He says the Elizabeth Fry project will be across Muskoka and will fund community partners and the Muskoka Youth Trustee Program to reduce youth poverty and homelessness through skill development and financial assistance for housing.
He adds the Mind Aid project will provide safety navigation support and outreach to youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping them find pathways to long-term, attainable, and accessible housing.
Shelley says the Habitat for Humanity project will be in Gravenhurst, and it will be to purchase a prefabricated triplex building through capital funding, which will be affordable housing units.
“So, three of the projects are three-year commitments, the capital project is a one-year funding of half a million,” says Shelley.
He says they know the need is intense in Muskoka and many organizations and municipalities are working to address the issue.
“We don’t see homelessness the same way in communities like Muskoka as we do in more urban settings where it’s much more visible,” he adds.
He says that’s due to people living in wooded areas or living remotely. Shelley adds in order to make a greater impact, they need more funding.
“But what we know is that housing and homelessness in rural communities like Muskoka is actually increasing at a more rapid rate than in urban settings,” says Shelley. “The need is far greater than the funds we have available to address this issue.”
