Media Release: TBDSSAB’s HPP investment plan aims to keep people out of the cold

November 17, 2025 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is sharing information about what homelessness programs will be funded this winter.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, TBDSSAB received $16.5M in Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) funding through the province. Through HPP, TBDSSAB funds multiple homelessness prevention initiatives, including supportive housing, community outreach and support services, housing assistance and emergency shelter solutions.

Many of the HPP funded initiatives are designed to ensure that people have access to a warm place to go during the cold winter months. In addition to the three emergency shelters that are funded and operate year-round, the TBDSSAB provides funding to Grace Place’s Out of the Cold program that begins operation in October, Urban Abbey’s overflow emergency beds that begin operation on November 1, and PACE’s warming and cooling centre that operates seven days a week. Additionally, the Salvation Army and Shelter House operate additional overflow beds to ensure that there is capacity in the system to meet the demand.

Below is a summary of TBDSSAB’s HPP investments by category for 2025/2026.

Emergency Shelter Solutions $2,817,613
     Highlights:

  • 191 Emergency Shelter Beds provided through Shelter House, Salvation Army, Grace Place and Urban Abbey
Supportive Housing $357,864
     Highlights:

  • Support for Elizabeth Fry Society, Salvation Army, and Urban Abbey Transitional Housing programs
Housing Assistance $2,098,400
     Highlights:

  • Funding for the Housing Security Fund and Housing Allowance program to assist individuals with the cost of transitioning from homelessness to housing
Community Outreach Services $3,559,549
     Highlights:

  • Food Security Fund – $427,817
  • Community Outreach – $3,131,732
Capital Projects $6,888,124
Administration $827,450
Total $16,549,000

Quotes:

“Administration presented The Board with a very thorough spending plan for this year’s HPP funding, and we’re fully supportive of this funding being used for critical programs that will support our communities through another cold winter.” – Brian Hamilton, Board Chair, TBDSSAB

“We are fortunate to have great community partners who are working with us to ensure there are options for people this winter. We continue to work with organizations to find ways to build on what they’ve been doing already, while also supporting maintenance and upgrades so they can continue offering what they do now. This is a community effort, and we’re grateful for all the partners who keep the service system running.”– Ken Ranta, Chief Executive Officer, TBDSSAB

“Funding from the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) plays a crucial role in our agency’s mission to advocate for change through empowerment for vulnerable populations in Thunder Bay. Thanks to this support, we operate the Warming and Cooling Center, providing a safe, warm space for individuals who need respite from harsh weather conditions. Our extended hours—from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM—allow us to better serve our community, offering essential snacks and warm drinks to those who attend. Without the backing of TBDSSAB, we would be unable to provide these vital services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.” – Georgina McKinnon, Executive Director, PACE

Quick Facts:

  • TBDSSAB’s Investment Plan for 2025/2026 Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) funding was approved by the Board at the June meeting.
  • MMAH confirmed TBDSSAB’s funding allocation for the 2025/26 fiscal year in July.
  • TBDSSAB’s HPP Investment Plan was approved by MMAH in October.