Provincial investment will support people at risk of homelessness
The Ontario government has provided over $8 million through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF), and more than $3 million in partnership with the Government of Canada through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) for supportive housing in the Regional Municipality of Durham. This funding will help create 27 transitional housing units in Beaverton to support individuals at risk of homelessness as well as 18 affordable housing units in Whitby for seniors and adults with disabilities, addictions, or mental health conditions.
These units include:
- 121 Nine Mile Road in Beaverton: the 27-unit transitional housing project will have accommodations and access to wraparound services such as site meals in a dining hall, rental and tenant guidance, and life skills building, employment services, and mental health and addictions supports.
- 835 McQuay Boulevard in Whitby: the 18-unit affordable housing project will have accessible units, with either a balcony or patio, that are universally designed while eliminating the need for fossil fuel usage in the building. The co-op complex will also have a community center, laundry facilities, site storage and several parks.
“Our government is using every tool in our toolbox to build homes across the province,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This investment supports projects that provide housing solutions using innovative technology like modular, to get homes built faster for some of the most vulnerable residents in the Region of Durham.”
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s SSRF funding, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support to help municipalities create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Quick Facts
- Ontario invests 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 allocation of $18.7 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for the Region of Durham from 2023-2025.
- The Region of Durham has been allocated $32.1 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
