The City of Kingston has received 7.4 million dollars from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to put towards 47 new housing units for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness. The projects through the National Housing Strategy’s Rapid Housing Initiative include Tipi Moza’s Indigenous Housing Centre serving 19 adults, Ongwanada at 3 Cassidy Street which will have seven units for youth transitioning from children’s services into adult developmental services, the Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation’s Curtis Crescent apartments will house nine youth, one unit of which will be barrier free.
Mayor Bryan Paterson says of these projects, “This is the biggest gap in the type of housing that is most needed to assist our most vulnerable residents.”
Finally, The East Wing of Dawn House at 805 Ridley Street will house 12 women and their children.
“It’s really exciting and a very much needed new project, there’s an opportunity for even further growth at this site, so that women and children that are in vulnerable situations right now can have access to safe and affordable housing to help them get back on their feet,” says Paterson.
The projects are set for completion by the end of October with occupancy starting by the end of the year. Rent in the units can not exceed the shelter allowance portion from Ontario Works of $390 or the Ontario Disability Support Program of $497 or 30% of the client’s gross income.
In addition to the CMHC grants, the projects have also received funding from the Government of Ontario's Social Services Relief Funding, Homelessness Prevention Program and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Paterson says all three levels of government are needed to solve this issue:
Paterson, who is a member of the 29 Ontario Big City Mayor Caucus had announced at a special council meeting in June that housing was the number one issue in all 29 cities and the group had requested an emergency meeting with premier Doug Ford. Paterson says, as of last week the group has not yet had a response so they have once again pushed for a meeting. Paterson adds it is not just a housing issue:
Listen to the full CFRC interview with Bryan Paterson below: