Actions underway to protect community’s most vulnerable during COVID-19 pandemic

BRANTFORD, ON: As the social assistance and homelessness service provider for both The City of Brantford and The County of Brant, the City greatly appreciates the swift response from our Federal and Provincial funding partners who have recently announced specific financial assistance to municipalities to support our local COVID-19 response for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

Through Reaching Home – Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, the Federal government has committed an additional $309,962 in supports and through the Social Services Relief Fund, the Provincial government has committed an additional $970,300, resulting in a $1.28 million funding source to protect those most vulnerable in our region during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Over the last several weeks, the City’s Health and Human Services staff has been working with partners within the health sector and emergency shelter operators to create a co-ordinated COVID-19 community homelessness response plan. The primary objective of the plan is to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 among individuals experiencing homelessness, both within and outside the Emergency Shelter system. Key to the success of this effort is creating new spaces for individuals who have no home in which to quarantine or self-isolate if required. 

The plan also includes supporting shelters to acquire necessary items including staffing, personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and mechanism to improve physical distancing in emergency shelters.

The funding will also be used to support community food programs. Today, as part of its COVID-19 Response Plan, the City announced partnerships with the Brantford Food Bank and the Salvation Army to help lead food security efforts in the community. This plan includes the coordination and support of local emergency food providers and expanding home delivery options for individuals and families in need of emergency food due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Food Bank will lead this planning and coordination in the City of Brantford, with the Salvation Army leading the efforts in the County of Brant. The City has allocated an initial $100,000 to the Food Bank and $30,000 to the Salvation Army from the Social Assistance Relief Fund in support of these programs.

How to access services

Individuals in the City of Brantford who are looking for more information about food security services are encouraged to call the Brantford Food Bank at 519-751-HELP (4357), individuals in the County are encouraged to call the Salvation Army at 519-752-7814 or 519-442-3432. 

Quotes

“We are fully committed to working with all levels of government to protect the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents during this very challenging time. And to that end, we are working very closely with our community partners to enhance their capacity to support vulnerable populations such as those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.” - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis 

“We are grateful for the City’s administration of the various social assistance programs and for the additional funding from the Federal and Provincial governments.  It is imperative that during times of need, we do everything we can to help those who are most vulnerable in our communities.”
- County of Brant Mayor, David Bailey

“We are committed to taking a leadership role in food security during these extraordinary times, and we are pleased to partner with the City to support our community and ensure that vulnerable residents can access emergency food.” - Heather Vanner, Executive Director, Brantford Food Bank

“The Salvation Army provides important services in the County of Brant and we look forward to working with our community partners to make sure individuals and families have access to food during this crisis.” - William Ratelband, Community & Family Services Coordinator

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Media Contact:

Maria Visocchi - Director, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519.759.4150 ext. 5754 |  mvisocchi@brantford.ca

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