City of Waterloo secures federal grant to enhance home support services for vulnerable seniors

Posted On Monday February 12, 2024

The City of Waterloo's Community Programming section is pleased to announce the successful receipt of a grant from the Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) under the "In-Home Support Pilot Project stream of the Age Well at Home initiative."

The project, titled "Improving Access to Home Support Services in Waterloo," will span the next two years. The initiative aims to provide vital support to low-income, newcomer and otherwise vulnerable seniors, empowering them to age in place within the comfort of their homes.

The project, running until September 5, 2025, focuses on delivering practical volunteer-based support services to enhance the lives of low-income, newcomer and vulnerable seniors in Waterloo in three parts:

-Develop and implement volunteer-delivered outdoor maintenance programs, including snow clearing and yard maintenance.

-Expand existing supported transportation services for newcomer seniors in collaboration with community and health agencies.

-Review local statistics to identify priority Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in Waterloo and develop a community service navigation volunteer program to support seniors in those communities.

The "Improving Access to Home Support Services in Waterloo" project will expand on the City's existing Home Support Services, which have been providing services to seniors for over 35 years. Volunteers will play a crucial role in delivering these services, and the project seeks to further enhance their impact.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Canada for this incredible opportunity to support Waterloo seniors in aging well at home, fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community,” said Jim Bowman, Director, Community Programming & Outreach Services.

 

For more information about the project and volunteer opportunities, please visit the City of Waterloo's website.

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Media contact:

Jennifer Reed
Program Communications Consultant, Corporate Communications
jennifer.reed@waterloo.ca