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Province Providing Support to Niagara's Homeless

David van Velzen, Executive Director of REACH Niagara, and Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, with the REACH Mobile Clinic powered by TELUS Health. Photo courtesy of Sam Oosterhoff.

Investment will increase annual base funding for eight to ten new service sites.

The Ontario government has announced additional support for local individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff says the province is increasing the annual base funding up to $935,000 for eight to ten new sites in St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls. 

This will provide care to 1,500 patients in 2021/22. 

The commitment also incudes an extra $425,000 in the following year for two to three additional sites providing service to 500 more patients. 

The investment is being made through an Alternative Funding Plan partnership with the Shelter Health Network and REACH Niagara. 

"This new funding extends care to marginalized and homeless members of our community who do not have a doctor," said MPP Oosterhoff.

"The provincial support affirms the important work of Dr. Karl Stobbe, Medical Director, and David van Velzen, Executive Director, and their frontline team at REACH Niagara in bringing primary care to individuals in need, meeting more patients in more places."

This support is part of the Ontario government's strategy to prevent homelessness and support people who are at risk or are experiencing homelessness. 

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