Media Release: TBDSSAB Announces Capital Projects funded through Homelessness Prevention Program
April 26, 2024 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is announcing capital investments in transitional housing funded through the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP).
Minister Calandra and MPP Kevin Holland were joined by representatives from TBDSSAB and funded organizations to make the announcement today in Thunder Bay.
HPP is a provincially funded program that aims to prevent, reduce, and address homelessness. Through HPP, TBDSSAB funds multiple homelessness prevention initiatives, including supportive housing, community outreach and support services, housing assistance and emergency shelter solutions. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, TBDSSAB received $16,549,000 in HPP funding from the province and allocated over 50% to capital projects.
Four initiatives have received capital funding from TBDSSAB through HPP. The combined total for all projects is $9,238,000 and 52 transitional housing units in the city of Thunder Bay.
| Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, to create 9 transitional living units in a purchased and renovated home. | $ 714,000 |
| Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, to support the creation of four (4) one-bedroom units in their Huron Avenue affordable housing development. | $ 1,300,000 |
| Northern Linkage Community Housing and Support Services, for the creation of 22 new units in a purchased and renovated building, with 24/7 supports provided by St. Joseph’s Care Group. | $ 3,045,000 |
| Shelter House Thunder Bay, to develop 17 new units in a purchased building, with health supports provided by NorWest Community Health Centres. | $ 4,179,000 |
| TOTAL | $ 9,238,000 |
Quotes
- “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for making today’s announcement possible. People in our communities need more housing options that meet them where they are, and transitional spaces accomplish this. Today’s announcement will change lives.”
– Brian Hamilton, Board Chair, TBDSSAB - “We are so grateful to the Ministry for the HPP funding increase, and to community partners for coming forward with their project proposals. Our service system is stronger as a result of the partnerships that have formed and grown through these projects. Today’s announcement adds a combined 52 transitional units. I am thrilled to finally share this good news and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our communities.” – Bill Bradica, Chief Executive Officer, TBDSSAB
- “HPP funding has empowered EFSNWO to acquire a property dedicated to serving as a transition home, with 9 units accommodating individuals in need. Recognizing the pressing need for safe and inclusive spaces, particularly for Indigenous women* and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who face disproportionate systemic challenges, the new home will provide support for those experiencing severe forms of marginalization and vulnerability.”
– Lindsay Martin, Executive Director and System Advocate, Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario - “NorWest CHC and Shelter House Thunder Bay proudly introduce our collaborative partnership. With this support, we will establish a transformative transitional housing unit at 401 Donald Street East, adding 17 units to Thunder Bay’s housing system and alleviating pressure on TBDSSAB’s High Needs Homeless waitlist. This project will also provide improvement to the adjoining Kwae-Kii-Win Housing Project. This ‘housing-first’ model aims to cater to chronically homeless individuals, transitioning them from emergency shelters to a better-equipped facility at 401 Donald Street East. The new site will not only enhance quality of life but also provide essential medical care, including two additional palliative care beds, ensuring dignified end-of-life care for substance-involved individuals. Together, we’re committed to fostering a community where every individual has access to the care and support they deserve. We believe this to be a wholistic model which will now have the space and ability to bring in other community support agencies, thereby providing opportunities for enhanced comprehensive care and culturally relevant services”.
– Juanita Lawson, CEO, NorWest CHC & Paul Capon, Chair, Shelter House Thunder Bay - “Ontario Aboriginal Housing (OAHS) is honoured to be a part of the Huron Avenue housing development in Thunder Bay, made possible through the invaluable support of the provincial government’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board. This initiative underscores our shared commitment to providing safe and affordable housing and aims to foster inclusivity and empowerment within the Thunder Bay community. Together, we’re building not just homes, but foundations for brighter futures.”
– Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Board Chair of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services / CEO of Ontario Native Women’s Association - “People living with mental illness deserve a safe place to call home, and the Homelessness Prevention Program funding was designed with the flexibility to meet local needs. For Northern Linkage, our goal is to not just create those homes, but to also be part of a thriving and vital community,” – Luca Loffredo, Executive Director of Northern Linkage
- “St. Joseph’s Care Group has worked in partnership with Northern Linkage for many years by providing the supports that people need to live as independently as possible. We have seen firsthand the positive impact of housing with supports, and applaud this investment,” – Janine Black, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Care Group
Related news
- April 26, 2024: Ontario Building More Supportive Housing in Thunder Bay
- June 29, 2023: TBDSSAB Announces HPP Investment Plan
- April 4, 2023: Ontario Providing More Supportive Housing for Vulnerable People
Download:
- 2024 HPP Capital Projects – Press Kit (PDF – 384kb)