Funding will help vulnerable residents meet day-to-day needs for emergency shelter, rent, utilities and more

May 4, 2023

Statement from Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County 

“The Government of Ontario’s announcement yesterday to invest $2.9 million in homelessness prevention in Oxford County is welcome news for our residents, who have told us that homelessness is a key concern in our communities.

“Currently, Oxford County looking at a 48-year timeline to house the people on its  housing wait list (Master Housing Strategy, 2022). Knowing that unaffordable rents are the biggest contributing factor to homelessness in our community (Homeless Enumeration, 2021), this investment comes at a pivotal time.

“The $1.2 million increase in funding will be used to help meet the urgent, essential, day-to-day needs of Oxford’s most vulnerable citizens-- not only emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness, but also urgent support for people experiencing a housing crisis because of low income, inability to provide a rent deposit, or debt from utility arrears.

“Combined with the $1.25 million increase in affordable housing Oxford County Council allocated this year, and $3 million annually moving forward, Oxford is working towards its vision of housing for all.  

“Our thanks to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the need in Oxford. As a Council, we will continue to advocate for support and solutions for affordable housing, including funding for mental health and addictions, so that all of the citizens we can help with temporary measures today have a chance for success moving forward.”

Warden Marcus Ryan
Oxford County

Read the full announcement from Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford: Ontario increasing support for homelessness prevention in Oxford (May 3, 2023)

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community, and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that serves as a springboard for some of the sustainable industries that are steadily diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.