NDP MPP French welcomes funding commitment for Back Door Mission in Oshawa

OSHAWA – Earlier today, Mission United, an acute care clinic serving people in downtown Oshawa at the Back Door Mission, secured a one-year funding commitment from the provincial government.

In April 2022, Ontario NDP MPP Jennifer French (Oshawa) sounded the alarm for emergency funding to ensure that the work being done at Back Door Mission could continue. She raised the issue with a question in the legislature and letter to the government, and as a result, was able to secure a temporary funding reprieve that allowed the services provided by the organization to continue.

“Today’s announcement is incredibly significant and a step in the right direction,” said French. “Back Door Mission’s model of care through Mission United is exemplary and essential to building a healthy and caring community here in Oshawa. Organizations like this provide invaluable services, and should never face funding uncertainty.”

French has continued to advocate for Back Door Mission’s work and invited Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibolo to visit the facility and work with the organizers to understand the importance of their services to the Oshawa and Durham community.

“I am grateful that the Minister accepted my invitation to see the important and essential work being done on the frontlines at the Back Door Mission. “I am glad to see the things we can do for our communities by working together” French said.

“While I am relieved to see this one-time funding commitment, we need to find ways to make sure services like these receive ongoing, reliable financial support. I will continue to do the work to ensure building solutions that allow people to take the next step after receiving wrap-around services. We need to work towards permanent solutions that makes our neighbours and communities healthier.”