The County of Lambton is getting a funding boost to help the communities most vulnerable population and homeless.
The province Monday announced $2.75 million to assist in delivering critical services and create longer-term housing solutions.
MPP Bob Bailey said the investment will help those who need it most.
"That's for rent assistance, for actual sheltering of vulnerable people, and helping people stay in their homes," said Bailey. "Those in jeopardy, that's the people that this is going to go towards, and Indigenous families who live off reserve."
The money builds upon the province's Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) launched in March 2020, and Bailey said it's part of the province's $307 million investment to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners during the pandemic
"Protect homeless shelter staff and residents, money for the rent banks, build affordable housing, and support plans to prepare for, let's hope not but potential future outbreaks and or emergencies," he said.
In May, Lambton County Social Services General Manager Valerie Colasanti told county council that they've seen a 200 per cent increase in the number of homeless individuals since the pandemic was declared.