Ontario Providing More Affordable Housing in Sault Ste. Marie

The Ontario government is providing almost $4.4 million through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to help create 39 of the 44 affordable housing units in Sault Ste. Marie that will support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Community Resource Centre Project, located at 721 Wellington Street East, is a former elementary school that will be converted into a shelter with 22 emergency beds and 22 transitional housing units. The funding was announced by Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, on behalf of Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie.

“Our government’s policies have delivered historic results in getting more homes built faster to create community and supportive housing, respond to COVID-19, and address homelessness over the past three years,” said Minister Clark. “We are also continuing to work to expand access to mental health and addiction support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Community and supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will ensure that all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, have a home that meets their needs and budget.”

“I’m pleased to announce this important funding alongside MPP Romano,” said Kevin Holland Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “It reinforces our government’s commitment to support all parts of Ontario – including the north – and help vulnerable Ontarians find a home that meets their unique needs.”

“I commend the DSSMSSAB and their partners for their continued dedication to this project. The Community Resource Centre Project is an example of strong partnerships coming together to support the most vulnerable in our community and create housing opportunities for people who need it most. Bringing together wrap-around services for mental health and addictions, employment and education as well as other crucial services and supports in one location will improve service delivery.” said, Ross Romano, the Member of Provincial Government for Sault Ste. Marie

As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable Ontarians, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Ontario government is also investing an additional $25 million annually in our new Homelessness Prevention Program. The new program simplifies and streamlines operations so municipal service managers can spend less time on paperwork and more time working with their clients to help find housing and other supports and help those at-risk of homelessness stay in their homes. The additional funding brings Ontario’s total yearly investment in the program to close to $464 million.

“There is a clear need for more emergency beds and transitional housing options in Sault Ste. Marie, and this funding from the Ontario government will enable Sault Ste. Marie Social Services to move forward with its plan to develop a safe shelter for our community’s most vulnerable. I want to recognize the government for its support and thank Social Services for continuing to work incredibly hard on behalf of people who need help the most.” said, Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of the City of Sault Ste. Marie

“The District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board is extremely grateful to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for this needed investment in the Community Resource Centre. This funding will make it possible to provide services and housing to those who need it the most in a one stop location. We believe the services and programming that we will be able to provide as a result of the development of this facility is an important part of supporting those in our community who are vulnerable, or experiencing homelessness.”  Luke Dufour, Board Chair, District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board said.

“On behalf of CMHA Algoma, I would like to express gratitude to the provincial government for their commitment to those experiencing homelessness in our community. The new shelter will provide us with the ability to provide emergency shelter services, transitional housing, as well as, wrap around services to assist individuals with both securing and maintaining stable housing.  The Community Resource Centre included in this project is a critical resource in our community for those seeking mental health and addictions support, harm reductions services, health care and system navigation.  CMHA Algoma is a proud partner in this initiative.” commented Pamela Lefave, Director of Services, Canadian Mental Health Association