Province, feds contribute $11 million-plus for supportive housing in Whitby and Brock

Both upper levels of government have chipped in more than $11 million to create 45 housing units for people at risk of homelessness in Beaverton and seniors and adults with disabilities, addictions, or mental health conditions in Whitby.

The Ontario government has provided more than $8 million through the Social Services Relief Fund and more than $3 million in partnership with Ottawa through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative for supportive housing in Durham Region.

These supported housing units include:

• A 27-unit transitional housing project at 121 Nine Mile Road in Beaverton, which will have accommodations and access to wraparound services such as site meals in a dining hall, rental and tenant guidance as well as life skills building, employment services and mental health and addictions supports.
• An 18-unit affordable housing project at 835 McQuay Boulevard in Whitby that will have accessible units (with either a balcony or patio) that are universally designed while eliminating the need for fossil fuel usage in the building. The co-op complex will also have a community center, laundry facilities, site storage and several parks.

“Our government is using every tool in our toolbox to build homes across the province,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This investment supports projects that provide housing solutions using innovative technology like modular, to get homes built faster for some of the most vulnerable residents in the Region of Durham.”

The news is part of a province-wide unveiling of Social Services Relief Fund SSRF funding, which has provided more than $1.2 billion of support to help municipalities create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

“Partnership among all levels of government is vital to ensuring that Durham Region has the right support, services and strategies in place to help lead individuals to housing,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry. “We are grateful for the provincial and federal investment in supportive and affordable housing in our region. This support will assist those living with low income, or anyone experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, to overcome barriers to permanent housing.”

Ontario invests an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs, including an allocation of $18.7 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for the Region of Durham from 2023-2025.

Durham Region has been allocated $32.1 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.

“The housing projects in Beaverton and Whitby will help our vulnerable community members,” said Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott.