Lanark County’s receiving $2.496 million from the province for its Homelessness Prevention Program for 2025-26.
The funds will be scattered across five categories including $150,000 for emergency shelter, and it’s the same amount as last year.
Community Support Services Manager Brooke Coutts was asked if they’re making headway into reducing the necessity of hotel stays in those situations.
Still, she said there’s a constant need.
The county will be using $124,000 to hire a Housing-Based Case Manager while not renewing the contract of the same amount for the Mental Health and Harm Reduction Outreach Worker, which expires in September.
Coutts said while the role of an outreach worker is vital, there’s a greater need for a case manager.
Coutts noted the county’s had discussions with Lanark County Mental Health about the staffing change and said they’re in support of the decision.
The funding breakdown for 2025-26 is as follows:
- Emergency Shelter $150,000 ($160,000 in 2024-25)
- Supportive Housing $810,000 ($700,000)
- Community Outreach and Support Services $771,200 ($810,100)
- Housing Assistance $640,000 ($710,100)
- Administration $124,800 ($124,800)
Story by Grant Deme
