Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has defended the city's financial support for the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, which recently made a plea for an additional $192,000 in funding. The shelter, which provides critical services to women and families experiencing homelessness, has cited increased demand and operational costs as reasons for the request.
Mayor's Response
In a statement, Mayor Dilkens emphasized that the city has already contributed significantly to the shelter and that all funding requests are carefully reviewed. He noted that the city is committed to supporting vulnerable residents but must balance its budget responsibly.
Shelter's Needs
The Welcome Centre Shelter has reported a rise in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance, driven by economic pressures and a lack of affordable housing. The $192,000 would be used to maintain services and address immediate operational gaps.
Council is expected to debate the request in upcoming meetings, with some members expressing support while others call for a more comprehensive review of homelessness funding.
