Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is investing $9.5 million in 102 new supportive housing units in Ottawa, including at least 48 for people transitioning out of homelessness and four for women with disabilities.
“These projects exemplify our government’s major commitment to providing homes for the most vulnerable citizens of Ottawa,” Goldie Ghamari, Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton, said in a statement last Wednesday (May 22).
The funding will support projects at Shepherds of Good Hope, Cornerstone Housing for Women, and Ottawa Mission, which are building new supportive housing units in the city.
Shepherds of Good Hope will open a new building on Murray Street, which will have 48 studios, including 24 for Indigenous Peoples and four for women.
“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,” said Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
The building will also have a dining room, lounge, on-site laundry and 24/7 staff to provide supports.
“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, said Shepherds of Good Hope CEO Stephen Bartolo.
“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.”
Cornerstone Housing for Women will open a new building on Eccles Street, which will have 46 studios, including all a washroom, kitchenette and laundry room on each floor. The building will also offer support services, including mental health and wellness supports, help with managing health and medication, and help with financial and education planning.
Ottawa Mission will open a new building on Florence Street, which will have eight units, including two for people with disabilities. The building will have a shared laundry and backyard, and all units will have access to a communal kitchen.
“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,” said Peter Tilley, CEO Ottawa Mission.
The province said the new housing units are part of its plan to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, with an emphasis on supporting people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.