Niagara Region has received $294,000 and $345,995 in funding from the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund. Administered by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, this federal funding is part of the federal government’s commitment to Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. The funding supports projects designed to support data-informed projects that can measurably reduce homelessness.
$294,000 in funding has been provided for Niagara Region’s Aging with Dignity pilot program, which targets early intervention for seniors at risk of homelessness.
In Niagara, seniors are a rising share of people experiencing homelessness. In addition to the challenge of finding affordable, accessible housing options, many seniors are facing complex challenges, such as declining health, limited income, mobility issues and social isolation.
Aging with Dignity was created to address those realities early. Through a rapid-response, early-intervention model, a specialized team now provides care planning, housing support, financial guidance, connections to community services and mental health support. The team also offers short-term follow-up support after a senior moves into housing, helping them settle in and maintain their independence and housing.
$345,995 in funding has been provided to support Niagara Region’s Aftercare Program.
The Aftercare Program helps people get ready to move into a home and stay living there successfully. Housing loss prevention workers provide support just before someone moves in and during the first 90 days after they move in.
The program helps people:
- Get ready to move into housing
- Spot problems early
- Learn strategies to help them keep their housing
- Get help early so they do not experience homelessness again
