Province Provides $3 Million to St. Thomas for Supportive Housing Units

Thursday, 17 March 2022 11:17

The four storey building will include 45 one bedroom apartments.

The Ontario Government is providing $3 million to help build 20 supportive housing units in St. Thomas.

The money is being sent through the Social Services Relief Fund. The housing units will help support people struggling with mental health and addiction and people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and Indigenous peoples.

The housing units should be in place by next September and will be close to public transportation, schools, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies and employment opportunities.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark says this is a good investment for the Province and St. Thomas.

"Our government's Social Services Relief Fund is designed to provide immediate housing and homelessness program relief in communities across Ontario. By investing $3 million in St. Thomas, we continue to support innovative housing projects to give those in need a home no matter their budget or background."

Located at 16 Queen Street, the four-storey, 45 one-bedroom apartment building will contain commercial and program space on the ground floor including a laundry room, nurse station, kitchen and bike storage with three floors of residential units above. Common outdoor balconies will be located on the upper floors. There is also a fire station on the ground floor. The building is being built to the highest energy standards, which could reduce the energy consumption by up to 85 per cent. The site is close to the downtown core with access to public transit, parks, schools, grocery stores, pharmacies and employment opportunities.

This site will provide staff support seven days a week from an interdisciplinary team. Supports offered in these programs may include nutritional support, medication assistance, clinical services, and peer community support services.

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston is thrilled to see this project move forward.

"I'm pleased that the Ontario government has recognized our much-needed supportive housing initiatives. The funding provided will ensure we are able to help our most vulnerable residents by providing them a safe, supportive place to live."