Nearly 200 projects delivered by 98 community agencies received total funding of $8.5 million from the Regional Municipality of York community investment fund in 2023.
“York regional council is committed to working collaboratively to strengthen community capacity and social infrastructure,” acting York Region chairman and CEO and Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in news release. “The fund’s support of almost 200 projects in 2023 makes a remarkable impact to top priority areas like housing stability, mental health, food security and enhancing organizations delivering these programs.”
Areas of support and focus included:
- Pandemic Response and Recovery: $3.1 million allocated to conclude projects that were continued throughout the pandemic period delivering a range of supports and services and $1.2 million allocated to projects to help residents with mental health concerns made worse by the pandemic experience
Housing Stability: $526,895 for projects to help residents find and keep stable housing
- Mental Well-Being: $764,360 for projects to help residents to have positive mental health
- Food Security: $418,776 for improving access to food and strengthening the local food security system
- Organizational Development: $1.1 million for capacity building in community agencies
An additional $1.3 million was allocated to support critical community needs, including support for crime victims and human trafficking survivors.
“York Region understands the value of investments in human services and the immense return we see when our community thrives,” said Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, chair of community and health services. “We look forward to continually enhancing support for community health and well-being.”
More information on the fund, including additional details on the 2023 activity results and the 2024 funded projects and initiatives, is available on york.ca/CommunityInvestment
