On March 23, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced a new, $200 million Social Services Relief Fund in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The investment will allow communities to expand a wide range of services and supports for vulnerable populations, based on local need, so they can better respond to this emergency situation.

Bruce County has received $446,800 at this time and is working on a phased approach to distribute funds and ensure that vulnerable members of our community are able to receive the support they need to remain safe and healthy.

During the first phase Bruce County is seeking applications from organizations who are working with vulnerable citizens in response to COVID-19 or who are implementing new processes to keep people who use their services safe. This information will provide perspective of the overall need in Bruce County.

Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan says: “I know this is an unusually trying time for vulnerable members of our community and the human service sector, including Bruce County’s Human Services team, who are working conscientiously to support those who need it most”.

If your organization, serving Bruce County residents, is providing new or enhanced support or service(s) for vulnerable persons including homelessness support, shelter, food security, and/ or support for seniors or youth as a result of COVID-19, please submit a request for funding by Friday May 1, 2020. Please note that submission of a request does not guarantee funding assistance in part or in full. Please send your request to the attention of Tania Dickson, Housing Services Manager at [email protected].

Your request must contain the information below:
• Full name of Agency or Organization; and
• Primary Contact (Name, Telephone, E-mail); and
• Brief description of the community service or support provided; and
• Value of financial request as well as a brief description of how funds will be utilized to address the needs of vulnerable citizens during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit the County of Bruce website at www.brucecounty.on.ca/covid19.

source: media release, Bruce County