Reaching Home

Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
Rural and Remote (Ontario)

THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS IS COMING SOON

United Way Simcoe Muskoka, in partnership with its Regional Advisory Board (RAB), invites organizations operating in rural and remote communities across Ontario to submit applications for funding consideration for projects starting in April 2026.

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to urban, Indigenous, rural and remote communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Reaching Home supports the goals of the National Housing Strategy, in particular, to support the most vulnerable Canadians in maintaining safe, stable and affordable housing and to reduce chronic homelessness nationally by 50% by fiscal year 2027 to 2028.

At least 235,000 people in Canada are experiencing homelessness each year

A total of $2,000,000 will be available to support the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, including those that support culturally appropriate programming for Indigenous individuals and families.

A recent survey reveals important insights into the demographics of homelessness in our community. We found that nearly one-third (31%) of individuals experiencing homelessness identify as Indigenous. Specifically, 24% identify as First Nations, 6% as Métis, and 2% as Inuit.

In contrast, Census data indicates that only about 5% of Canadians identify as Indigenous. This disparity highlights a significant overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples among those facing homelessness. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring that support and resources are effectively tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous communities.

Note that program funding was available in last year’s Call For Proposals and is now on a three-year term. We ask programming applicants to revisit this page in Fall 2027 for updates on future program funding opportunities.

To learn whether your community, and which activities, are eligible under this Rural and Remote Stream, visit: Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Directives

To review the terms and conditions visit: Reaching Home Terms and Conditions

We strongly encourage potential applicants to attend an information session to learn about Reaching Home funding available for 2026 including changes to the application form.

We are hosting multiple information sessions relating to the Reaching Home Funding.