Canada invests $207.5M to support vulnerable populations during COVID-19 pandemic

The Federal Government announced additional support for our most vulnerable populations today, including a $207.5 million investment.

The funding will go towards helping those experiencing homelessness and women fleeing gender-based violence – two groups of people that are considered at significant risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve asked Canadians to self-isolate and to stay home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But not every home is safe,” said Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development.

“These investments support hundreds of women's shelters, sexual assault centres, and Indigenous women’s organizations across the country. Our goal is to support the organizations who provide vital services to survivors of gender-based violence so they can prevent and respond to COVID outbreaks, stay safe and continue being a lifeline to those who need them most.

“To those experiencing domestic violence and gender-based violence: speak to someone you trust and seek help. You are not alone.”

Of the $207.5 million, $157.5 million will go towards addressing the needs of Canadians experiencing homelessness through the Reaching Home program.

The funding could be used for a variety of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

Another $40 million to be given to Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), up to $30 million of which will address immediate needs of shelters and sexual assault centres.

$10 million will be provided to Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) existing network of 46 emergency shelters to support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence.

These new funds will flow directly to shelters and will provide them with additional operational funding to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.

The Canadian Government says that it will continue to carefully consider any additional steps it can take to support vulnerable populations across the country.