News

Additional $1.3 Million Investment in Local Supportive Housing

Support for vulnerable populations at risk or experiencing homelessness

NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is providing the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) with an additional $1,295,000 through Phase 5 of the Social Service Relief Fund (SSRF). This funding will help DNSSAB keep vulnerable people housed, and create long-term housing solutions in response to increased need for services during COVID-19.

Since April 1, 2020, the Ontario government has invested a total of $12,280,295 for the DNSSAB through the SSRF.

“Our government’s Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in Nipissing,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Supporting innovative solutions is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”

“I want to thank the province for its continued investment, as well as all of our community partners for their ongoing work, to support our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “This funding will help to sustain the vital services and programs needed to assist for those in the community who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.”

“The Province has been a very supportive partner since COVID-19 began. The funding is most welcome as there continues to be a great need of support and relief for vulnerable individuals, and the injection of funds will provide necessary social service support during this pandemic,” said Mark King, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.

This brings Ontario’s total investment through SSRF to date to nearly $1.2 billion, one of the biggest investments we have made in supportive housing and homelessness supports in the province’s history.

As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, today’s announcement is part of the province’s SSRF, which has provided support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable Ontarians, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The shortage of housing supply impacts all Ontarians, no matter their background or budget. The province’s ongoing work to increase the supply of market housing complements historic investments to increase the supply of supportive and affordable housing for the most vulnerable. As part of the consultations through the Community Housing Renewal Strategy, the government is working with service managers and housing providers to make community housing more efficient and sustainable – helping to protect essential community housing stock and ensure Ontario’s most vulnerable people remain housed.

QUICK FACTS

• These additional revenues would flow to municipal service providers to ensure vulnerable Ontarians can access the housing they need.
• Social Services Relief Fund  which is helping to create approximately 1,200 new supportive housing units.
• Housing Affordability Task Force that will serve as Ontario’s long-term housing roadmap.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Learn more about affordable housing in Ontario and find your local service manager to see what housing supports are available in your community.
• Read the 2021 Budget – Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.
• See how your organization can help fight COVID-19.
• Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.