Sudbury CMHA to offer more funding for rent supplements in 2016

Twenty-five people living with mental illness in Sudbury will soon have the benefit of a little help with their rent, thanks to a funding bump for a program through the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The association's regional executive director says those who receive the subsidy will be chosen in January, based on need.

Marion Quigley said helping people take care of their physical needs helps their state of mind.

"Housing makes a huge difference in peoples' lives because then they can shower, then they can have proper meals," she said.

Quigley said it costs about $75 a day to help someone stay in the community.

The cost to keep someone in a psychiatric hospital or in jail for a day is about $500.

The hope is to help an additional 15 people with the program by 2017, Quigley said.

Even a little financial help can provide some crucial security, she noted.

"Because we know that, for people living on Ontario Disability Support or Ontario Works, it's not enough money to live on," Quigley continued.

"But if you can have adequate housing, you know you have a roof over your head, and you can be warm and comfortable."