Rural Development Network launches COVID-19 Emergency Funding (Canada)

Deadline: 09-Dec-20

The Rural Development Network (RDN) has launched a call for applications for COVID-19 Emergency Funding to fund projects specific to meeting the needs of individuals who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless across rural and remote communities in Alberta.

The Rural Development Network (RDN, formerly the Alberta Rural Development Network) received an additional $1.8 million in federal Reaching Home funding this year to support communities’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project activities must take place outside of the “7 Cities” in Alberta (Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, and Fort McMurray). While other projects may be considered, priority will be given to projects that:

Demonstrate immediate needs due to COVID-19 (requests for funds to be used in case of an outbreak will not be prioritized);
Provide basic needs services (e.g. food, transportation, hygiene, clothing);
Help homeless with no adequate housing to self-isolate (e.g. in motels, hotels, etc.);
Help shelters & mat programs comply with health recommendations (e.g. adding space between persons, protective barriers, sanitation, etc.);
Connect vulnerable clients to housing placements and supports;
Focus on prevention and shelter diversion services, such as the provision of short-term financial assistance (e.g. rental arrears, utility payments) to clients who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness;
Provide mental health supports to vulnerable clients;
Connect clients to clinical and treatment services, economic integration services (e.g. income assistance, employment, job training, education) and social and community integration services;
Help purchase cleaning supplies and other personal protective equipment for front-line service providers;
Take place in communities heavily impacted by the pandemic;
Identify opportunities for the integration of services and supports;
Address a demonstrated need; and
Clearly outline capacity to deliver identified project activities;
The purchasing of land, buildings, vehicles and renovations, including the construction or renovation of emergency shelters, transitional or permanent supportive housing and non-residential facilities (e.g. resource centres) are examples of capital projects that will be considered.