Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Kingston and Home Base Housing have received a $2.23 million contribution from the Province’s Home for Good program toward building housing for youth at 484 Albert St.
While the number of youth in need may be higher, there are now 45 individuals receiving services within the City-funded homelessness system and 22 of them are homeless.
“This new housing development will offer young people who are homeless or insecurely housed a safe and supported place to live,” said Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson.
“We are grateful to have this support from the Province as we all know how crucial it is to expand affordable housing options for Kingston’s most vulnerable residents.” He notes that the project, on the site of Princess Street United Church, has also benefitted from funds from the United Way – and great community collaboration.
Since acquiring the property in 2019, Home Base Housing has prepared a redevelopment plan for the site which includes:
- transitional and supportive housing for youth,
- a youth cultural centre,
- a commercial café/youth training facility, and
- space for the relocation of the One Roof, Kingston Youth Services Hub.
The One Roof youth services program is a partnership of over 25 organizations that deliver social services to youth in one-on-one, group, and workshop formats and provide easy access to housing, education, family, life skills, mental health, addictions, and employment services.
Home Base Housing is operating a 21-unit apartment building to safely house youth who are homeless. It provides transitional and long-term housing for youth supported by staff on-site 16 hours of the day.
Increasing housing affordability is one of Kingston council’s strategic priorities.