Annual report highlights Regional programs and services that help our most vulnerable citizens

Waterloo Region – Community Services has released its annual report highlighting the Regional department’s achievements in 2015, including a 50 per cent reduction in the wait list for the Community Alzheimer Program and more families helped by child care subsidy.

“This department exists to remove social, financial and other barriers for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Commissioner Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders. “We partner with agencies and organizations throughout the community and those who need our supports to develop programs and services, working together to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and nobody is left behind.”

Other highlights from 2015 include:

• 700 individuals and families on the affordable housing wait list were housed.
• 50 people experiencing homelessness were permanently housed through the support of STEP Home – exceeding the goal of 40, as identified by the Region’s 20,000 Homes Campaign Registry Week pilot.
• Home buyers who benefited from the Region’s Affordable Home Ownership program increased by 11 per cent.
• Provided a provincially-funded wage enhancement to over 900 licensed early learning and child care program staff to increase retention and improve quality of care.

In addition to budget details and achievements, the annual report contains real-life stories about the impact these services have on our citizens, clients and residents. 

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For more information, please contact:

Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders, Commissioner, Community Services
519-883-2170 or DBartholomew-Saunders@regionofwaterloo.ca