Member Statement: Homelessness Prevention and Support

• Thank you M. Speaker
  
• Not long ago I joined my York Region caucus colleagues to announce an investment of over $36 million to the Regional Municipality of York as part of our Homelessness Prevention Program.
  
• Our government understands that the issue of homelessness is a complex one and we are continuously working hard to make sure everyone can have a roof over their head and a place to call home
  
• I’ve had many opportunities to engage with homeless support programs in my riding.
  
• I’ve joined St Joseph the Worker Parish’s Street Patrol Program, packing meals for those in need alongside some dedicated Thornhill teens.
  
• While volunteering at the Holy Trinity Church Homeless Shelter, I met two remarkably dedicated sisters – Miriam and Hillary, and a young woman by the name of Cindy. 
  
• Cindy had come into the shelter back in December, she’d suffered some hard times and found herself homeless for the night. 
  
• She showed me the exact mattress she’d been given, and the picture that she took that night.
  
• There she was approached by Rehana Sumar, Executive Director at Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold.
  
• Today, just a few months later, Cindy is employed as a PSW. She’s been moved into a new, permanent home, and she is working side by side with Rehana to give back to the community and help others just as Mosaic had helped her.
  
• M Speaker, the goal is to not only prevent homelessness, but to provide resources and support that will help individuals and families achieve long-term stability and independence.
  
• I will continue working together with my community and our government to support these crucial programs.
  
• Thank you.