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L The Community Develop- ment and Investment Fund, administered since 2003 to assist low income and vulnerable York Region residents, means children of home- less families have renewed hope. The region, which this week announced $2.8 million for 33 com- munity service projects, also helps isolated newcomers. supports liter- acy, battles addictions and expands a range of supports for our most vulnerable neighbours. The regionél dollars shelter, feed and clothe the homeless during our brutal winter nights. In addition to providing up to 4,500 meals, paying 25 per cent of its rent and purchasing food. cloth- ing and supplies, Inn From the Cold ca}! handle 1,000 homeless visits per season, shelter president Kirby Brock said of the $90,294 received thisyear. The Newmarket shelter provides overnight accommodations for the homeless five nights a week from November to March, along with ts when the temperature drops be â€"15C.The project will expand Funding brings vulnerable in from cold BY CHRIS TRADER ctraber@yrmg. com t’s bureaucratic terminology, but it translates into human- ny- With $90,000 in regional funding, Inn From the Cold president Kirby Brock can keep the shelter’s doors open. It gives the organization the capacity to provide programs and ed services for children, their caregivers and volunteers, many of whom are DSt m newcomers. to "It’s very important. It's a great of preventative program that breaks h_ down isolation, offers socialization ’Id and learning and recreational activi- m ties for children," she said. “Without this money, we wouldn't be able to open our doors." Jewish Family and Child Service York Region branch services director Monica Auerbach said of the $70,000 received to assist low-income families. to include employment search sup- Although more than 300 volun- teers assist the shelter and fundrais- ing augments operating budgets, the fund is essential, Mr. Brock said. For East Gwillimbury’s Blue Door Shelters, the $88,500 infusion trans- lates into two additional child and youth workers at New Ieeder Family Shelter, executive director Patti Bell said. Regional support through the fund touches lives in all nine munici- palities. Last year, the Thomhill initia- tive helped 1,243 pre-schoolers and about 400 parents and caregivers. Ms Auerbach said. “Families gain invaluable help This year, more than 50me from the workers," she said. for funding, totalling almost $6 mil- Extra staff help kids and parents lion, were submitted in response to through serious upheaval by provid- the region's request for proposals. ing child care, protection. programs While the region allocated a little and friendship. less than half the funding requested, “Kids get one-on-one help. When each proposal was evaluated based the parents are working or out, they on need. know their kids are with us. We It suggests the need clearly exists, wouldn't have the staff without the Markham deputy mayor and com- b In From the (old: Part of its $90,294 funding will go to employment support ; > Job Skis: It’s $167,108 will be used to help 80 low-income residents acquire specific job skills; D Rose of Sharon Services: Newmar- ket organization will use $43,400 for its new parenting and personal development program; r Wounds Centre of York Region: Bridging the Gap program for low-income women received $126,959; > Blue Door Shite“: Its $89,500 will be used for child and youth support at the new Leeder Family Sheltet. FUNDING SNAPSHOT During the past seven years, the focus of the regional funding has been on purchasing high priority ser- vices that meet one or more of three priorities: child and family support. homelessness prevention programs and employment support Originally funded federally and provincially, the majority of the fund now comes from the region, strategic service integration and policy man- aging director Cordelia Abankwa- Harris said Without it, fanfiiies and work- ers often turn to crisis services, she added. funding It’s been spectacular for the kids," Ms Bell said last year, about 50,000 residents benefited from Blue Door services and programs supported through the regional fund. Similar numbers are expected this year. munity and health services commit- tee chairperson lack Heath said. “During this challenging eco- nomic time, now more than ever, these services are needed to support our most vulnerable residents,” he said. “It's a proactive, preventative fund to make sure our most vulnerable residents receive support.” she sai¢ STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT The youth drop-in centre in Richmond Hill will provide services to about 1,200 homeless or at-risk youth by providing counselling. case management. employment and housing services, social recre- ation. food, clothing. life skills, expe- riential learning. creative expres- sion and other resources with its $330,000. Examples of 2010 fund invest- ments include $77,000 to Richmond Hill's Krasman Centre for an applica- tion support worker who will help people who are on the long-tenn Ontario Disability Support Program waiting list to navigate the system and its requirements and. $167,108 for lob Skills Smart Start, an employ- ment project to help a minimum of 80 unemployed, low-income resi- dents develop skills and obtain cer- tifications necessary to compete for employment inthe foodanddrinkor customer service sector. Other being supported include Pa for Children,Youth and Families of York Region - Home Base Yomh Drop-[n Centre.