Provincial investment will support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community
NIAGARA FALLS — The Ontario government is providing almost $4 million to help create 25 supportive housing units in the city of Niagara Falls that will support individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. Located at 5528 Buchanan Avenue, the two-storey, newly renovated, former motel includes bachelor apartments for individuals, larger accommodations for families, as well as accessible units. The supportive housing complex also includes space for counselling and social programming for tenants. The funding was announced by Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Housing.
“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 Nina Tangri. “This investment through the Social Services Relief Fund will help provide longer-term housing solutions for some of the most vulnerable residents in Niagara Region, making a real difference in the lives of people in this community.”
Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, the hospital, and employment opportunities. This 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 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 increase of over $9.6 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Niagara Region, bringing the total to nearly $21 million annually.
“Our government’s policies have delivered historic results in getting more homes built faster and addressing homelessness. Increasing community, affordable, and supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs and budget.” – Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing