Residents in Windsor-Essex who are struggling to make ends meet can now turn to Family Services Windsor-Essex for support.
The organization was awarded a three-year $700,000 grant through the Prosper Canada’s Resilient Futures initiative to offer financial education and support for filing for government programs.
"People are trying any way they can to just keep their head above water, and really what this program aims to do is yes, support people with financial empowerment and stability but it's also a housing loss prevention initiative," said Ciara Holmes, Executive Director of Family Services Windsor-Essex.
The program will offer system navigation, tax filing support, education and advocacy related to rental arrears and stabilization.
Prosper Canada is working with nearly 100 organizations across the country to help Canadians access these financial supports.
"Most organizations that are delivering these services across the country have waitlists; they cannot even get close to meeting the demand so we're realizing that a lot of people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling to access the benefits their eligible for, and so these services are a vital support line for them," said Adam Fair VP of Strategy and Development with Prosper Canada.
The organization estimates Canadians are missing out on around $2-billion of tax credits each year by not filing taxes or not taking full advantage of all the programs they are eligible for.
The program is supported by the federal government.
