Province supports older adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
June 11, 2021
BRANTFORD — The Ontario government is providing $1.25 million to help build 25 affordable housing units for people over the age of 55 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Brantford.
“Our government knows how critical it is to support innovative solutions, like these new modular homes in Brantford, through our $765 million Social Services Relief Fund,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These modular units can be built fast, allowing us to connect more people to the homes and supports they need. This is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable residents safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Located at 177 Colborne Street West, the modular units are part of a five-storey apartment complex that is situated on a transit corridor. The location will provide residents with easy access to public transit and the building will include amenities such as bike storage and a small backyard.
“These affordable homes will make a real difference in our community by providing vulnerable residents in Brantford with stability and security, and help them regain their independence,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford—Brant. “This is a great example of how our government is helping to ensure our most vulnerable have a place to call home.”
As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, today’s announcement is part of the province’s $765 million Social Services Relief Fund to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and support vulnerable Ontarians affected by COVID-19, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“We are very grateful to our provincial partners for their support to help us provide more much needed affordable housing options in our community, said Kevin Davis, Mayor of the City of Brantford. “There are currently over 1,700 households on the community housing waitlist, whereby some applicants have a wait of between eight and twelve years. Made more acute by the negative economic impacts of the pandemic, the need for more affordable housing in our community has never been greater.”
“Whether you live in the city or the county, the availability of affordable housing is an issue,” said David Bailey, Mayor of the County of Brant. “Our residents deserve housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. We are grateful for this funding opportunity to support affordable housing and to assist those in need.”
Construction on the new housing complex is expected to be completed by December 2021.
QUICK FACTS
- Brantford has been allocated over $6.7 million in 2020-21 through Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund which is designed to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners deliver critical services, such as shelters, food banks, funding for rental arrears and housing.
- Ontario has provided $147 million to help expand access to the provincial mental health and addictions system in every community. This funding builds on the province’s $176 million investment in the Roadmap to Wellness, a comprehensive plan to build a fully connected mental health and addictions system across the province. Brantford has received $100,000 as part of this investment.
- The City of Brantford also received over $6 million in 2020-21 through the joint federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, and over $1.2 million in provincial COVID-19 financial relief for municipalities to address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs, help ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Learn more about affordable housing in Ontario and find your local service manager to see what housing supports are available in your community.
- Read the 2021 Budget – Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.
MEDIA CONTACTS
ontario.ca/housing
Disponible en
français
Krystle Caputo
Minister Clark’s Office
Krystle.Caputo@ontario.ca
Conrad Spezowka
Communications Branch
MMA.Media@ontario.ca