Ottawa — The Ontario government is providing over $9.5 million to help create more than 100 supportive housing units in Ottawa that will support individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
“Our government is making it easier for our partners to build homes of all types faster,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Increasing community, affordable, and supportive housing is a critical component of our goal to get at least 1.5 million new homes built by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs.”
The funding, announced at the 216 Murray Street location, will support three projects:
- Shepherds of Good Hope, 216 Murray Street – nearly $4.7 million to help create 48 studio apartments for people experiencing chronic homelessness, including at least 24 rooms prioritized for Indigenous peoples and four rooms for women. The eight-storey building is in Ottawa’s Lowertown neighbourhood and is close to transit, grocery stores and social services. Residents will have access to a dining room with meals included, a lounge, on-site laundry and 24/7 staff to provide supports to help residents maintain their housing. The first floor of the building will feature a new community meal centre and indoor/outdoor drop-in space that will be open to the community. Because the building is beside the existing Shepherds of Good Hope shelter, drop-in programming will focus on housing support and social inclusion for community members.
- Cornerstone Housing for Women, 44 Eccles Street – nearly $4.2 million to help create 46 studio apartments for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The four-storey building offers each resident their own washroom, kitchenette, as well as a laundry room on each floor. Twelve units are fully accessible, barrier-free with wheel-in showers, and lowered countertops. The building is staffed 24/7 and offers support to help residents to maintain their housing long-term. These supports include help with managing health and medication, counselling and mental health, goal setting, financial and education planning. Residents will be close to transit and a number of community supports.
- Ottawa Mission, Florence Street Rooming House – $700,000 to help create eight units for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The three and a half-storey building has been fully renovated inside and the exterior of the building was updated, including brand new windows. All units include private or semi-private washrooms and access to a communal kitchen. There is shared laundry and a backyard. Residents are close to grocery stores, bus routes and service providers.
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 the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total annual investment to close to $700 million. This includes an allocation of $48.5 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Ottawa for 2024-25.