Hamilton receives nearly $6.8 million for 85 supportive housing units 

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Published May 26, 2023 at 5:14 pm

One month after Hamilton declared a state of emergency because of its homelessness crisis, 85 supportive housing units will be built in the city as a result of Ontario’s investment totalling almost $6.8 million.

Steve Clark, minister of municipal affairs and housing, made the announcement today (May 26) alongside Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, and Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook.

“Our government is working hard to ensure Hamilton’s housing needs are met with historic levels of funding in supportive housing and homelessness prevention that recognizes the city’s unique needs,” said Clark in a statement on Friday.

Clark said supportive housing is a “critical component” of the government’s plan to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, particularly for the “most vulnerable” Ontarians.

Nearly $4.8 million will help create 73 supportive bachelor housing units at 35 Arkledun Avenue. With the help of supportive housing organization Good Shepherd, the five-storey building, a former commercial school, will be converted into housing units for women and non-binary individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

It will have 49 permanent housing units and 24 units for short-term accommodations, including private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

Also, a historic building at 180 Ottawa Street North will be restored and renovated using $2 million of the funding. The site will be turned into 12 supportive housing units, particularly prioritizing young Indigenous parents.

“The new building will allow young parents to start their families in a safe environment that reflects the values of First Nations communities,” reads the province’s press release. “Residents will be in a walkable neighbourhood close to public transportation, schools, parks, health-care services, pharmacies and employment opportunities.”

The Ontario government is also investing an extra $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs. It includes an increase of $4.3 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for the City of Hamilton, according to the release.

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