Provincial investment will support youth experiencing homelessness in the community
The Ontario government is providing over $4.9 million to help create 26 supportive housing units in Oshawa that will support youth experiencing homelessness.
Located at 357 Simcoe Street South, the two-storey converted school building will include studio apartments, as well as four accessible units. It will also have a community centre on the main floor. Residents will have access to laundry facilities, shared common space, and storage lockers. The building will be energy efficient and accessible, with an elevator and wide hallways.
The funding was announced by Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Our government’s housing plan is designed to ensure that all Ontarians have a safe place to call home, and that includes supporting our most vulnerable residents,” said Minister Calandra. “Supportive housing not only provides people in need with a roof over their head, it also connects them to services that can give them an opportunity for a better life. That is why this funding is such a key part of our government’s work to tackle the housing crisis.”
Residents will be close to schools, grocery stores, transit, and employment opportunities. In addition, other community organizations will be invited to provide services on site.
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes an increase of $7 million over the next three years through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Durham Region, bringing the total to nearly $19 million annually.
Quick Facts
- Durham Region was allocated over $32 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
- Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects.
Quotes
“Our government is taking action to help more Ontarians find a home that meets their needs, which is a key part of our commitment to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031. This investment through the Social Services Relief Fund will help provide housing for some of the most vulnerable residents in Durham Region.”
– Todd McCarthy
Member of Provincial Parliament, Durham
“Affordable, accessible and suitable housing is essential for healthy communities, and strong and vibrant Region of Durham neighbourhoods. It underpins the quality of life for people in Durham, at every stage of their lives. I look forward to continued collaboration with Durham Region as together we ensure that local communities within the Region continue to be safe, healthy, and caring, as well as sustainable for future generations.”
– Lorne Coe
Member of Provincial Parliament, Whitby
“Our country is currently grappling with one of the most intricate crises involving health, homelessness, mental health, and addiction that we have ever encountered. Clarence and his team work tirelessly to provide solution-based services for youth that are facing these complex challenges. This investment of $5 million is welcome news for the great City of Oshawa and The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre. The affordable housing apartment project currently under construction will become a reality thanks to this funding.”
– Dan Carter
Mayor, Oshawa
“We are fortunate, in Durham Region, to have community partners who are dedicated to helping shape a better future for some of our most vulnerable residents. This significant provincial investment will help the Refuge Youth Outreach Centre in Oshawa to address some of the unique challenges related to youth housing and homelessness prevention. It will help put a roof over their heads, while also providing access to wraparound supports — a key step in our goal of reducing homelessness in our community.”
– John Henry
Durham Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“It is so difficult for us at The Refuge to see homeless, street and at-risk youth struggle to find affordable and appropriate housing. The toll that sleeping on the street takes on their mental, emotional and physical health is noticeable and saddening. We are so grateful for funding from the Province of Ontario to build affordable housing for youth that will not only give them a place to call home but also hope for a positive future.”
– Clarence Keesman
Executive Director, The Refuge
Author: Pete Fisher
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