WINDSOR — The Ontario government is providing nearly $1.8 million to help create 26 supportive housing units for vulnerable populations including Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and those at risk of homelessness.
“Premier Ford and our government are focused on solving the housing crisis. That’s why our Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supporting innovative solutions like these new supportive housing units in Windsor is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Owned and operated by the housing provider, the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities of Windsor/Essex County Foundation (APPD), the old office building is being converted to 26 supportive housing units. Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, shopping, pharmacies, hospital care, a library, and employment opportunities.
As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, 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 municipalities and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable Ontarians, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $25 million annually in our new Homelessness Prevention Program. The new program simplifies and streamlines operations so municipal service managers can spend less time on paperwork and more time working with their clients to help find housing and other supports, and help those at risk of homelessness stay in their homes. The additional funding brings Ontario’s total yearly investment in the program to almost $464 million.
Quick Facts
- In Budget 2021, Ontario released $175 million for mental health and addictions services and supports, building on prior year investments of $176 million announced in October 2020, and $174 million in Budget 2019.
Quotes
“This project is a win all around by further increasing access to accessible housing in the heart of Sandwich near key services. This adaptive reuse of the existing offices means that more of our residents will have homes without barriers.”
– Andrew Dowie
MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh
“Ontarians need a place to call home. The Ford government is helping vulnerable people find a home that’s right for them.”
– Anthony Leardi
MPP for Essex
“There’s no ‘easy’ or ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to solving the housing crisis. It’s a complex issue that requires a whole-of-government approach to address diverse community needs. On behalf of the City of Windsor, I am grateful to the Ontario Government, Minister Steve Clark, and our local Member of Provincial Parliament, Andrew Dowie, for this critical investment in supportive housing — another strong example of how the Ontario Government is delivering for the Windsor community, working with us to bring meaningful improvements to support vulnerable populations in our community. Thank you to the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities of Windsor/Essex County Foundation, for leading this impactful new build. This project would not have moved forward without your leadership and commitment.”
– Drew Dilkens
Mayor, City of Windsor
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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