Whitby — The Ontario government is providing $1.2 million to help create six housing units in Whitby that will support youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, mental health, and addiction issues. The three-story building, managed by Durham Youth Services offers transitional housing for youth ages 19 – 24. The upper and mid-level units are each self-contained, three-bedroom units equipped with a kitchen and bathroom which is shared amongst the youths living in the unit.
The basement unit is a two-bedroom apartment, also equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom and designated for youth who know each other and/or youth who are supporting a young family. There is a common laundry room and shared outdoor living space.
“Our government’s housing plan is about creating more homes for the people of Ontario, including supportive housing that is critical to the well-being of both residents and the community,” said Associate Minister Rob Flack. “This investment through the Social Services Relief Fund will help provide housing solutions for some of the most vulnerable residents in Whitby, making a real difference in the lives of people in this community.”
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF), which has provided over $1.2 billion of support 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 allocation of $18.7 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for the Region of Durham in 2023-24.