Council Approves Funds for Homeless Organization
West Nipissing allocates $5,000 to grassroots organization focused on empowering and uplifting homeless individuals.
West Nipissing Council has approved a $5,000 discretionary grant for No More Tears, a community organization assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. The decision, made at the February 18th council meeting, was part of a broader $23,400 in discretionary grants allocated to various community organizations. This year’s funding discussion was relatively brief, in contrast to the debate exactly one year ago.
In February 2024, the organization—then newly incorporated as a non-profit—requested $10,000 in financial assistance to establish an office space and expand its services. At that time, the majority of council members voted against the request, arguing that municipal funds could not support every non-profit in the community. Some also believed that homelessness services should remain under the jurisdiction of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB), which allocates funding for shelters and homelessness initiatives across the region.
While last year’s debate centered on whether No More Tears was “filling a gap” in services or duplicating existing ones, this year’s approval acknowledges the group’s impact on the community. The organization has continued assisting homeless individuals in West Nipissing despite lacking municipal or DNSSAB funding.
With homelessness remaining a growing concern in West Nipissing, this funding is welcome news for the group’s volunteers.
2024 was a banner year for No More Tears. The organization expanded its services, strengthened community partnerships, and established a dedicated safe space for homeless individuals. In a year-end review, the group highlighted several achievements, including successfully housing multiple individuals, hosting monthly soup kitchens, and organizing regular “talk circles” to support the community.
The West Nip Voice is a regular newsletter covering issues in West Nipissing and the surrounding area. Please consider becoming a subscriber.
They have also become a registered charity with the CRA, a status that is only given to non-profit organisations that fulfil very strict criteria. It also means that they can issue tax receipts, and donations are tax-deductible. They do amazing work.
Good. Everything helps.