Homelessness in Belleville

The provincial government is primarily responsible for funding homelessness programs in Ontario. As their Service Manager, Hastings County is responsible for delivering funding and programs locally on behalf of Belleville, Quinte West and other communities.

  • Funding: The provincial government is primarily responsible for funding homelessness programs (68% of all funding in 2021, with municipalities providing 23% and federal government providing 9%), and primarily responsible for funding and delivery healthcare, including mental health (78% of all funding).
  • Delivery: The administration and organization of housing and homelessness-related services is a local responsibility, primarily through municipalities. The 47 Service Managers 2 Indigenous Program Administrators provide some services directly, but transfer the majority of provincial funding to third parties to actually deliver/provide services and supports locally.

Timeline

Belleville 2024 budget survey calls for increased funding for homelessness & housing

There is not enough allocation to housing initiatives within Social Services portfolio.

there are not enough new funds allocated to housing initiatives under Social Services portfolio.

Increase in Social Services (homelessness & housing)

Belleville says individuals using Overnight Warming Centre are encouraged to sleep

The overnight warming centre operated by Hastings County will be located within the grandstands building at the former Quinte Exhibition grounds (240 Bridge St. West) for the winter season. The centre will open on Dec. 1 and operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., seven nights a week until March 31, 2025. Security will be on site 24/7. During the day, individuals are encouraged to utilize public facilities to stay warm.
Please note that this is a warming centre for individuals to come in from the cold. Beds and meals are not provided. Those seeking other social service supports are encouraged to contact Hastings County Community and Human Services at 613-771-9630 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or the after-hours emergency line at 1-877-528-9514 between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. for more information on services provided.
Please remember to check on those who are living alone during extreme temperatures.
In an answer to comments on Facebook, the City confirmed that the individuals can sleep at the Overnight Warming Centre:
No beds are provided, however, those using the warming centre can bring a sleeping bag and are encouraged to sleep. The rumour that there is a rule that you are not allowed to sleep at the warming centre is not true.

2024 Q4 Built for Zero Report Card

    • 262 People are currently experiencing homelessness in Hastings County.

    • 149 People have been experiencing homelessness for six months or longer.

    • 33 People became chronically homeless.

    • 7 People got back in touch after having become inactive (not heard from in 90 days).

    • 6 Person lost their housing.

    • 11 People moved into housing

    • 27 People lost touch

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