Not long ago, I joined colleagues to announce an investment of over $36 million to York region as part of our Homelessness Prevention Program. The issue of homelessness is complex and our government is continuously working on it. Everyone deserves 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 remarkable Thornhill teens. And while volunteering at the Holy Trinity Church homeless shelter, I met two dedicated sisters, Miriam and Hillary, along with a remarkable young woman by the name of Cindy. Cindy arrived at the shelter back in December. She’d suffered from some very hard times and found herself homeless for the night. She showed me the exact mattress she lay on that night; she had a picture of it. She was approached by Rehana Sumar, executive director at Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program. Today, just a few months later, Cindy is employed as a PSW. She’s moved into new, permanent housing and working side by side with Rehana to give back to the community.

Mosaic, part of Blue Door, recently received an OTF grant to help them continue their significant work. I am so proud to be a part of this cause, and this is not only to prevent homelessness, but to provide resources.