In order to address the issue of homelessness, the communities of Haldimand and Norfolk have established a Haldimand-Norfolk Task Force on Homelessness. This Task Force was formed in 1999 by Regional Council of Haldimand-Norfolk. Their mandate is to identify, quantify and address the issue of Homelessness and ensure the provision of services to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Task Force is comprised of a number of interested representatives from the community including housing providers, municipality, federal government, provincial government and community agencies.

Homelessness in Haldimand and Norfolk can take two forms. Absolute homeless and relative homeless.

Absolute homeless are those individuals that are visibly without shelter and find themselves living on the street. Relative homeless are individuals that are living in somewhat precarious financial or other conditions that can soon lead to eviction or being absolute homeless.

Consolidated Homelessness Prevention Program (CHPP)

The Provincial Government has made funds available to Norfolk County as Service Manager to alleviate homelessness and prevent individuals from becoming homeless.

The monies are made available to The Salvation Army, Family & Community Services in Dunnville for homelessness programs in the two Counties. The following services are provided:

• Rent Utility Bank (small loans to avoid eviction and utility shut-offs)
• Referrals to Budget Counselling
• Housing Advocacy

For further information, The Salvation Army can be contacted at 905-774-4251 or 1-866-882-9910 or by email at salvation.army@bellnet.ca.

Emergency Energy Fund

The Provincial Government has made funds available to Norfolk County as Service Manager to assist low-income clients in paying energy arrears (hydro, oil and gas) as well as the costs of security deposits and reconnection fees.

The monies are made available to The Salvation Army, Family & Community Services in Dunnville to administer for both Counties.

For further information, The Salvation Army can be contacted at 905-774-4251 or 1-866-882-9910 or by email at salvation.army@bellnet.ca.