We have been working alongside our community partners over the past year to support Halton’s most vulnerable residents through vital programs and services. One of the ways we are supporting the community is by investing in local initiatives through the Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF). I’m pleased to share that we will be investing a total of $3.5 million in 2021 through HRCIF to support vulnerable residents.
Programs that are receiving funding through the HRCIF continue to address a broad range of human service needs and priorities, including initiatives that strengthen the health, safety and well-being of our community. Many of these programs and services help our most vulnerable residents by supporting housing needs, reducing food insecurity, addressing isolation among older adults and providing mental health services.
A total of 31 new grants have been approved to date in 2021, including:
- $30,000 to the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf to support active living, education and inclusion among older adults who are deaf;
- $80,480 to the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre to provide hub based supports for residents in an at-risk community in Oakville.
- $30,000 to Halton Women’s Place to upgrade the security system at its shelter locations;
- $26,690 to Christian Horizons to provide workshops that support internet safety for individuals with a developmental disability;
- $30,000 to the Syrian Canadian Foundation to provide online education and social connection sessions for Arabic speaking newcomer women;
- $139,895 to the Housing Help Centre for Hamilton-Wentworth (operating in Halton) to support clients with complex needs to have long-term housing success; and
- $107,540 to support the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable to implement initiatives to strengthen equity and inclusion.
We will continue to accept applications for funding through the HRCIF on an ongoing basis in 2021 to respond to emergent needs and address the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage our community partners to learn more about funding opportunities through the HRCIF. Further details can be found on halton.ca. Applications will be reviewed regularly until all available funding has been allocated.
Local organizations have been working tirelessly to support our community and adapted quickly over the past year to ensure their services are accessible during the pandemic. Thank you to our community partners for your dedication and commitment to supporting the health, safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents. By working together, we are keeping Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.