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Ontario Providing More Supportive Housing for Vulnerable People

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million annually in homelessness prevention programs to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and to support community organizations delivering supportive housing.

“We know Ontario’s housing supply crisis impacts all Ontarians, no matter their background or budget,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why we’ve increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by more than 40 per cent. These measures complement the bold and transformational change we are implementing to tackle the housing supply crisis and get more homes built faster across Ontario.”

This new funding, announced in the 2023 Budget, will be provided through the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, and builds on the government’s investment of nearly $4.4 billion over the past three years to grow and enhance community and supportive housing.

The Regional Municipality of Halton will see a 44% increase in funding in its 2023-2024 Allocation, rising to $14,279,700.

“During a time of economic challenges and change, our government is supporting those who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Ontario’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario is the right plan to support those who need it the most today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.”

Of the $202 million in additional annual funding, $190.5 million will be provided each year through the Homelessness Prevention Program, which gives Ontario’s 47 service managers greater flexibility to allocate funding and make better use of existing resources to focus on reducing and preventing homelessness. The remaining $11.5 million each year will be invested in the Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, which provides Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate long-term housing solutions and support services to Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

"Supportive housing provides people in need with a roof over their heads. It also connects them with services that provide a hand up to improve their circumstances, including mental health support and job training,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister for Housing. “Our government met with partners and stakeholders across the province this past fall – we heard their concerns and are addressing their valuable feedback to improve Ontario’s supportive housing system. This investment will make a real impact to support housing providers that help vulnerable Ontarians each and every day.”

The Ontario government’s 2023 budget, Building a Strong Ontario, is helping to drive economic growth, attract jobs and investments, and build key infrastructure projects faster. The government’s plan is also training skilled workers to fill in-demand jobs, keeping costs down for those who need it the most, and providing better health and public services for Ontario families.

Quick Facts

  • This $202 million increase in annual funding brings the total yearly funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program to $700 million.
  • The increased funding is being allocated based on a revised funding model that better reflects the current need for homelessness services and supportive housing in community across Ontario. Funding dollars are being increased to address increased needs, particularly during a time of rising inflation, and to help ensure no service manager receives a decrease in funding compared to 2022-23 as a result of the transition to the new model.
  • The changes also address the recommendation in the Auditor General’s 2021 value-for-money audit on homelessness, which called for a better funding model for homelessness programs that would target areas where funding is most needed.

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