Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis

WOODSTOCK — The Government of Ontario is providing $1,700,400 to the County of Oxford to help protect the health and safety of the Oxford’s most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

This funding can be used by municipalities and social service providers such as homeless shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profits to support delivery of critical services, hire additional staff, acquire more personal protective equipment, and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation to keep people safe and healthy.

“It’s so important that we do everything we can to protect those who are most vulnerable at this critical time,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This funding will better equip local services across Oxford to serve the people who rely on them and help ensure the health and safety of our entire community.”

“We are acting quickly to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless during this unprecedented time,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding is going straight to communities, who know best what the immediate needs are on the ground.”

The Ontario government is providing $148 million to local service managers and Indigenous program administrators across the province to give them flexibility in expanding the key services they already offer to meet their local needs. For example, this funding could be used for emergency loans for people having a hard time paying rent.

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Media inquiries please contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford

(519) 537-5222