The CEO of  St. Catharines and Thorold Community Cares fearing for the worst after hearing the province is cutting funding earmarked to help the homeless.

 Niagara Regional officials have just learned the province is cutting next year's  funding for the Community and Start Up Benefit by 4.2 million dollars.

This year the region received 7.2 million in provincial money to help deal with homeless issues.

Betty Lou Souter says that money covered basic human needs to help people get back on their feet.

Souter pointing out some of the money was used to help people get off the streets by covering first and last months rent.

She noting a community is only as strong as its weakest link and we have an obligation to help those who need a hand up at a critical time in their lives.

Souter says they knew the province was going to make cuts but they didn't know it would be that drastic.

She adds the next step is to figure out how to make the province aware of the exact impact the cuts will have on Niagara.