Photo from the 30th Annual Huron House Boys' Home Run, Walk, Skate and Bike (blackburnnews.com file photo)Photo from the 30th Annual Huron House Boys' Home Run, Walk, Skate and Bike (blackburnnews.com file photo)
Sarnia

Boys Home future in jeopardy

After nearly 50 years in the community, the Huron House Boys' Home is in financial trouble and says its future is in jeopardy.

St. Clair Child and Youth Services has made a request to the provincial government to have the Bright's Grove-based facility's funding reduced by 16 per cent.

Those funds would be re-allocated to other services in the region.

Executive Director Don Adam said they're able to serve up to 18 youth at a time, but are only government funded for six.

The proposed funding reduction would trim that to just five boys.

"We are looking at our overall operation to try and find efficiencies," said Adam. "We're working with our staff team, management and board of directors to see what we can do to cut expenses or raise revenue."

Adam said the local Children's Aid Society has decided not to fund residential placements to Huron House.

He said all of the changes are happening as youth mental health care is becoming more complex than ever.

The centre is welcoming community engagement regarding the need for residential care, and fundraising initiatives.

Fundraising efforts like the Men Who Cook Gala, Father's Day Run/Walk/Skate/Bike event, and the semi-annual bulletin will continue.

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