Province investing $1 million to build more supportive housing for young people
The Ontario government is investing $1 million to protect young people including those at-risk of homelessness by building a 10-bed youth home in Hastings County. The new home will offer residents skills training, motivational counselling and job-finding resources to help them transition and find meaningful work in the community.
“Supportive housing enables our neighbours to get back on their feet and turn the page to new and exciting chapters in their lives,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Working with our municipal partners, our government will continue to get more affordable and supportive housing built to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure they have a roof over their heads.”
When residents arrive later this month, they will be offered specialized services tailored to meet their individual needs, including help with job hunting and crucial life skills like managing money. Through community partners, residents will also have access to addiction and mental health services, as well as educational programs with Loyalist College.
“The City of Quinte West is grateful to the province for supporting St. Leonard’s Emergency and Supportive Housing project, which addresses a critical gap in our local housing system,” said Jim Harrison, Mayor of Quinte West. “This initiative will provide at-risk youth with a safe and supportive place to live, as well as access to education, employment resources and a path toward long-term stability. Our recent Housing Needs Assessment identified transitional housing for young adults as a top priority and St. Leonard’s is stepping up to fill that vital need.”
The new home will be owned and operated by St. Leonard’s Community Support, Prevention, and Residential Services, a non-profit organization.
Quick Facts
- In 2023–24, the Ontario government increased its annual investment in the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program by over $200 million, bringing it to approximately $700 million each year. This includes an investment of $6.1 million through the HPP for Hastings County in 2023–2024, an increase of 80 per cent from 2022-2023.
- The 10-bed youth home in Hastings County is close to amenities, including municipal transit. Support staff will also be available to help with transportation challenges.
- Through the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, Service Managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects.
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
