City applying for grant funding to support homeless populations

The City of Merritt is applying for $231,500 in grant funding to help support the local homeless population.

“The Strengthening Communities’ Services Program aims to support unsheltered homeless populations and address related community impacts. The goal of this program is to support local governments and Treaty First Nations that wish to take action, complementing parallel provincial efforts,” wrote Planning Manager Don McArthur.

“City staff have identified several initiatives that will provide a multi-faceted approach to addressing unsheltered homelessness. In an effort to coordinate and implement all aspects of the project, including transitioning into the future, a major portion of the project is to hire a Housing and Support Coordinator,” added McArthur.

City Council approved the motion to apply for the funding through a 7-0 vote on Tuesday (April 6) night.

“I think this grant will go a long way to help with our homeless population. We’re also looking at the safety of the neighbours and therefore the community,” said Mayor Linda Brown.

The most recent count of the homeless population in Merritt was in March 2020. The results of the count found 9 sheltered individuals and 34 unsheltered individuals in Merritt.