YWCA Muskoka is pleased to announce funding of $374,946 over three years, through 2027-28, for Circles® Muskoka, disbursed by the Government of Canada through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
On Wednesday, June 25th, Circles® Muskoka celebrated another successful year of programming with a dinner, social, and drum circle at Kerr Park. Representatives from YWCA Muskoka and United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) were pleased to announce three more years of funding to continue delivering the Circles® Muskoka poverty reduction program in Gravenhurst and expand to Bracebridge in Fall 2026.
Circles® Muskoka is a peer support program that helps individuals and families at risk of homelessness move out of poverty by building social capital, reducing isolation, and fostering collaboration to move towards stability. Administered by YWCA Muskoka, the program is a local response to the complex challenges of poverty, offering both personal and systemic pathways towards economic self-sufficiency.
“This funding for Circles® Muskoka is critical in addressing homelessness and helping community members get the support they need and deserve,” says the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “The federal government is committed to supporting communities across the country in ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home.”
“This funding comes at a critical time,” says Jenny Sifft, Circles® Muskoka Coordinator. “Many residents in our communities are struggling with the high cost of living, precarious housing, and limited access to resources. Circles® Muskoka creates opportunities for real, sustainable change by connecting people with the support, relationships and tools they need to thrive.”
Circles® is a community-based initiative that creates intentional friendships across economic boundaries to reduce poverty. It does this by matching low-income families and individuals (Circle Leaders) with community volunteers (Allies). www.ywcamuskoka.com