MISSISSAUGA, ON — The Ontario government is providing $270,000 in operational funding for rent supplements and mental health and addictions support services for 40 new supportive housing units in Mississauga.
The government recently provided $4.5 million in capital funding through the Social Services Relief Fund to help build the 40-unit development. This additional investment will help connect more people who are in need of mental health and addictions supports with places to live, while also helping them get the services they need, closer to home, while reducing the number of visits to emergency rooms and hospitals.
“With this investment, we’re helping some of our most vulnerable, providing them with a place to call home and an opportunity for a better life,” said Premier Doug Ford. “At a time when the province is growing at unprecedented speed, having added 500,000 new residents last year alone, our government is taking action to build more homes of all types, including a mix of ownership, rental, non-profit and supportive housing that meet the needs of all Ontarians.”
The Streetsville project, operated by Indwell Community Homes, will provide services to individuals over the age of 18 with histories of mental health, addiction and housing instability. Services will include program management, supervised social work, nursing, addiction support, behavioural support, housing support casework, food security and 24/7 on call support where required.
“Our government will continue working with all our partners across this province to ensure the most vulnerable members of our society have access to safe and secure housing.” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The funding announced today builds on our historic levels of investment in supportive housing and homelessness prevention, which recognizes each municipality’s unique needs.”
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs through the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, bringing the province’s total annual investment to close to $700 million. This funding is in addition to the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which 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 people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
"Our government is building a healthcare system to help all Ontarians, including the most vulnerable, connect to convenient care right in their own communities. Ensuring supportive housing is there for those who need it most will help them access mental health and addictions supports close to home and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department."
- The Honourable Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
"Providing supportive housing and services for those facing mental health challenges or addiction is an investment in the health and well-being of all Ontarians. This project uplifts our community and demonstrates that when we care for the most vulnerable among us, we build a stronger Ontario where everyone can thrive and succeed. "
- The Honourable Nina Tangri
Associate Minister of Housing
"Indwell is so pleased to expand our partnership with the Ministry of Health and our allied partners in health and housing. With the announced funds, we will have the capacity to open more doors to people in Mississauga - supportive homes for 40 people. Every day, Indwell continues to receive calls to create more supportive housing and every day we see the healing and wellness that comes from access to good, affordable housing and healthcare for our most vulnerable neighbours. Today's announcement is a celebration of a sound investment in improving mental health and ending homelessness in Mississauga"
- Jeff Neven
CEO, Indwell