Provinces announces $19M to help end homelessness in Waterloo region

Waterloo region will be receiving enhanced funding to the tune of more than $19 million to help end homelessness in the area.

Through the province's Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, the region will receive $9,767,399 in 2017-2018, and $10,225,029 in 2018-2019.

Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile said the money "gives communities like ours the flexibility to address local priorities to better meet the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness."

Funding 'will go a long way' in region

The funding is part of $632 million the province is providing to municipalities over a two-year period. It is meant to help individuals and families stay in their homes or get the housing they need. This includes emergency financial assistance, long-term and transitional housing as well as integrated supportive housing to help people with specific needs.

These dollars will go a long way as we work together to achieve our shared goals of decreasing the number of people experiencing homelessness, while assisting more individuals and families in achieving housing stability.- Regional chairman Ken Seiling

Region of Waterloo chairman Ken Seiling said the regional council "appreciates" the funding from the province to help those in need.

"These dollars will go a long way as we work together to achieve our shared goals of decreasing the number of people experiencing homelessness, while assisting more individuals and families in achieving housing stability," he said in the release.