Hastings County will be rolling out more affordable housing funding geared towards North Hastings.
Hastings Highlands Council received information about the new program during its meeting today. Manager of Housing Services Darren Burke says the IAH HA Direct Delivery North Hastings funding was created to address housing needs in northern parts of the county. Burke says some North Hastings residents could be eligible for $354 a month through the program, which is basically a rent supplement.
Anyone interested in housing support through Hastings County is encouraged to call the Intake Access Centre at 1-866-414-0300.
Meanwhile, some Hastings Highlands councillors questioned county representatives about why there are no affordable housing units for seniors in the municipality. One councillor pitched the idea of a small home that could accommodate four seniors, similar to one in Coe Hill.
Director of Community and Human Services Erin Rivers says she would be open to talking to councillors about the need for this type of housing. But, Rivers also says the county would need data to back up any decision to create housing for seniors in the future.
Rivers says the county does have programs to support seniors who are still living in their homes.
Hastings County is currently reviewing its Housing and Homelessness Plan to make sure it meets the needs of each individual community. The review will include consultations with each municipality, and a final figure on just how many homeless people there are in the county.