Hastings County has approved nearly $1.9 million in funding for the 2025 Homelessness Prevention Program.
The decision came this morning at Hastings County Council.
In May 2025, Committee and Council approved the 2025-26 and 2026-27 HPP Investment Plan along with program funding allocations for Community of $595,751 and Capital Program Funding in the amount of $800,000 for 2026. A $500,000 funding allocation was also approved to support one-time start-up costs associated with the creation of a county-wide Food Redistribution Centre (FRC).
As result of the call-out process, 12 community funding applications, six capital applications and one FRC application were received. All applications were reviewed and analyzed by a team of staff and a weighted evaluation tool was utilized. Recognizing HPP priorities to prevent, address, and reduce homelessness, as well as those that provide the fundamental need of shelter and support, staff prioritized funding requests that align with the goal of ending homelessness through a community effort, funding fidelity and an outcomes-based approach.
Significant initiatives receiving funding include $39,675 for Three Oaks to replace an aging HVAC system in its transitional housing building, $600,000 for Grace Inn to purchase a home that will serve as an eight-unit supportive transitional residence for women, and $181,000 for Next Step Housing Connection to support a full-time case manager position and provide rent supplements for individuals in need.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
