Waterloo Region Agencies Strained Seek Provincial Funding Boost

Hey, listen to this. Some groups say folks with disabilities in Waterloo are stuck on waitlists. They think the whole province lacks support. Nine groups formed a council called DSPAC. They wrote a release about needing more help. Sunbeam’s CEO, Brian Swainson, spoke about it. Social services have faced cuts for a long time, something he thinks needs fixing.

He said they appreciate the funding. However, health gets regular funding increases. Social services often go without. Since 1993, core funding barely rose seven percent, while the cost of living increased way more, over sixty percent. Waitlists exist for supportive housing, including group living and independent help. Agencies have no extra room at all right now.

Right now, 716 people need supportive housing. All 741 existing spots are full. Only a few spots open up each year, and people might wait up to fifteen years. Swainson said people stay in housing programs for life, so vacancies don’t happen often.

Sunbeam offers other help too. They provide caregiver relief and community support, including day programs, respite, and activities. They also help with skills and employment, and offer autism and behavior support. These services prevent caregiver burnout. At least 1,200 people are waiting for them right now.

Other groups support this call for change. Aldaview Services and others are involved, as is Community Living Cambridge. Families must cover for underfunded agencies in place of the province. Another CEO said action is needed now, as families face crises while waiting for housing and service providers already feel stretched thin.

Swainson spoke about the province’s need, but others face similar problems. Community Living Ontario has a campaign called #WaitToBelong. Over 52,000 people in Ontario need disability support. Many are waiting for multiple types of assistance.

The government’s recent increase was small. The CEO wrote it barely helps the waitlists. 28,000 people await housing support. 42,000 need community support services, including staff and mental health help. Waitlists grew from 34,000 in 2020 to 42,000 in 2023. Now, the number is 52,000, only counting adults, though kids also need help.

Swainson said many kids have complex needs. They’re on their own waitlists. He can’t give an exact number, but the need is great. Swainson said it isn’t a political move. They felt they needed to speak up now.

He hopes groups work together for support and wants further advocacy as well. Swainson acknowledges the worries. However, that doesn’t mean they should stay silent. He wants them to raise voices and unite.