SUBMITTED

Cornerstone Landing Youth Services (CLYS) announced Tuesday, Feb. 18 that it did not receive an extension of Reaching Home Funding for rural and remote communities, resulting in a budget shortfall of $119,422 starting April 1.

The federal funding, distributed in Ontario through a designated Central Entity, supports the development of housing and services for youth experiencing homelessness. Without it, CLYS says it will struggle to maintain essential programs.

“At Cornerstone Landing Youth Services, we are dedicated to providing the support and resources that youth in our community need to thrive,” said Terrilee Kelford, chair of CLYS. “This unexpected shortfall will force us to make difficult decisions about scaling back or eliminating key programs. This is a critical moment for the youth we serve, and we are deeply concerned about the impact on their safety, stability and well-being.”

Reaching Home Funding is a national initiative aimed at reducing homelessness in Canada. Its rural and remote funding stream helps address the unique challenges faced by organizations outside urban centres. CLYS warns that without alternative funding sources, programs related to housing, counselling, education and employment may face significant cuts.

As the organization works to secure additional financial support, it is calling on community members and partners to help advocate for continued funding to ensure vulnerable youth do not lose access to essential services.

More information on Cornerstone Landing Youth Services is available at www.cornerstonelanding.com.

Submitted by Cornerstone Landing