Canada announces $250 million to combat homelessness, end encampments

The Canadian government has announced a $250 million initiative aimed at addressing homelessness and dismantling encampments across the country. As part of the 2024 budget, the federal funding will be matched by provinces and territories, potentially mobilizing $500 million to provide shelter spaces, transitional homes, and support services.

This funding complements the Reaching Home program, a nine-year $5 billion initiative targeting homelessness, and includes investments like the $79.1 million Veteran Homelessness Program.

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Sean Fraser emphasized collaboration, stating, “We must work together to help the country’s most vulnerable find safe and affordable places to call home.”

The government also unveiled additional measures to tackle the housing crisis, including a $6 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund and a new Canada Rental Protection Fund to secure affordable rental homes.

Negotiations with provinces and territories are set to begin soon.