Montreal's Homelessness Funding Secured, But Long-Term Commitments Needed

0:00It's April 1st. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Canada News Today, local news powered by AI. Federal funding for homelessness supported Montreal is finally flowing after weeks of uncertainty. The government just announced $125 million nationwide through a renewed program, with more than $13 million, headed straight to the city to keep services running past April 1st. This comes from the unsheltered homelessness and encampments initiative. Some last year as a short-term fix, but now extended because the crisis. Shows no signs of slowing. Housing Minister Gregor Robertson made the call after sitting down with city officials and community groups at City Hall. Frontline organizations are relieved, but calling out the drama, saying the last minute switch up, forced some to lay off staff or cut hours already. Groups like the network, representing over 100 homelessness services, stressed how this yearly roller coaster wears them down, with leaders. Calling about 15 years of the same instability.

1:00Details are still unfolding on when the cash hits the ground as it routes through the province first, and it won't touch the $24.8 million Quebec already set aside. One youth housing program, running a new modular spot for up to 30 people, has been capped at 17 spots due to prior shortfalls. City leaders promised close teamwork to stabilize things, but everyone's pushing Ottawa for long-term commitments so these cliffhangers don't repeat. And real progress can stick.