Ontario Building More Supportive Housing in Ottawa

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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-storeybuilding 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.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"These projects exemplify our government's major commitment to providing homes for the most vulnerable citizens of Ottawa. Although Carleton is mostly a rural riding within the City of Ottawa, homelessness does not discriminate between urban and rural residents who are struggling. These projects are important for everyone in the City of Ottawa."

- Goldie Ghamari
Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton

"Housing, and in particular, affordable housing, has become increasingly necessary as Ottawa's population continues to grow during the current affordability crisis. I'm pleased that our government is making this critical investment and look forward to seeing positive results."

- Lisa Macleod
Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean

"Investing over $9.5 million, the Ontario government is spearheading the development of 102 supportive housing units in Ottawa, a vital initiative to aid those facing homelessness or at risk. Expanding community, affordable, and supportive residences is pivotal in our goal to achieve 1.5 million homes by 2031, fostering a better future for all Ontarians, particularly the most vulnerable."

- Stéphane Sarrazin
Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell

"Thank you to Minister Calandra and your team for your collaboration, and for this critical funding to our community partners. With this assistance, residents facing homelessness can receive much needed supports. This support will not only offer them shelter, but also an opportunity for a chance to build a better tomorrow."

- Mark Sutcliffe
Mayor of Ottawa

"A milestone is being made as Shepherds of Good Hope gets closer to opening its sixth supportive housing residence in Ottawa. There is a critical need for more non-market housing in our city, and we are proud to help fill that need with our new building on Murray Street. Shepherds of Good Hope is grateful to our government partners who invest in our work and provide hope for our community. We know they share our vision of "Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all."

- Stephen Bartolo
CEO Shepherds of Good Hope

"We wanted to demonstrate that rooming houses can provide people on low incomes with clean, good quality homes that meet their needs. The Florence Street rooming house provides ongoing case management support, privacy, a small number of residents, and resident control. This model enhances overall satisfaction and the well-being of tenants. I'm happy to report that our tenants feel safe and supported."

- Peter Tilley
CEO Ottawa Mission

"Cornerstone Housing for Women is thrilled to have recently opened our newest supportive housing project, Eccles Residence. This supportive housing residence is the truest expression of Cornerstone's commitment to move women and gender-diverse adults from crisis to stability, healing, and hope. We believe everyone deserves a home in a community that supports them where they can live dignified lives. With numerous supports and strategic community partnerships to ensure none of our residents re-enter the homeless shelter system, we are proud to provide 46 individuals in our community with a home of their own. Cornerstone would like to sincerely thank all levels of government for their support for this project. Without governmental partners, like the Government of Ontario, we cannot build supportive housing nor fund our life-saving programs. These partnerships allow us all to work toward a future where we can end chronic homelessness in Ottawa."

- Kate Jackson
Acting Executive Director, Cornerstone Housing for Women

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