(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Federal Funding to NEOSS

NEOSS breathes ‘sigh of relief’ with federal funding coming

Mar 30, 2020 | 3:00 PM

Last week, the federal government announced more funding to help various programs across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some funds went to more counsellors, and trained volunteers for kids help phone. There was also money allocated to the United Way to help seniors, and there was also $200 Million announced for the homeless, and those fleeing domestic violence. $50 Million of the $200 Million will go towards domestic violence shelters across Canada, including North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS).

Executive Director for NEOSS, Louise Schweitzer said there was a sigh of relief when the funding was announced.

“People are understanding the risk that is involved when you ask a family, or a group of individuals that are sitting in a domestic violence situation to self-isolate, and to isolate themselves even more into those kinds of situations,” she said. “It’s nice to see that our federal government is realizing that this will impact those kinds of situations in a negative way.”

There is still some questions as to when the money would arrive, how much will be given to NEOSS in particular, and what the money is set to be used for. Schweitzer said they continue to work closely with their provincial and federal representatives to get more of a concrete answer to those questions.

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Schweitzer said there is some knowledge as to what the money will be used for, including helping those who need to isolate get hotel rooms, or other safe places to stay. She said some of the funds could also be used for creating more space in the houses if that is ultimately needed, which would also work together with the hotel rooms, but Schweitzer said space is not a concern at the moment. Another section of the funds could also go to help daily operations like extra cleaning that is needed, personal protective equipment, and possibly even overtime for staff.

Even though some operations have changed, Schweitzer said they are still available in a time of need.

“Anyone that is in an interpersonal or domestic violence situation that is feeling unsafe, please reach out,” she said. “Phone our 1-800 numbers, phone 9-1-1 if the danger is imminent, reach out if you feel the need to reach out and be safe. We will do everything within our power to help you do that safely.”

Schweitzer also talked about the fact that this pandemic is likely taking a toll on most people. She said it’s a good thing to keep in mind that we need to keep our emotional and mental well-being during this time.

“We have to physically isolate, and that does not mean we need to emotionally and mentally isolate ourselves,” Schweitzer told northeastNOW. “With technology the way it is, we can reach out through phones, through the internet, through social media.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6