Housing for vulnerable youth in Windsor

Vulnerable youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness will soon have access to new supportive housing in Windsor.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Windsor – Tecumseh and The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario mark the official opening of the Youth Supportive Housing building in Windsor, On. This project received an investment of $840,000 through Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH), a joint program funded by the federal and provincial governments.

The project involves the construction of a six-unit, three-storey apartment complex to house 10 youth between the ages of 16 – 24. The modular building, with accessible and universal design components, is the first of its kind in Windsor targeted to homeless youth. It will serve to give municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators flexibility to design and deliver solutions based on the needs of their communities through initiatives such as new construction to provide safe, affordable housing.

Quotes:

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government will continue our efforts to create more homes across the country for those who need it most, including here in Windsor. These investments not only provide a helping hand for youth in need, but they also contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire community. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”

“I am proud that our Government is leading this first-of-its kind project directed at tackling youth homelessness in Windsor. This investment will help provide stability and safety to youth who need a helping hand. This is one of the ways the National Housing Strategy continues to work for the residents of Windsor, Tecumseh, and our entire region.”

”Our government is committed to providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario. Supporting innovative solutions like these new modular housing units in Windsor is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed. We have invested nearly $4.4 billion over the past three years to grow and enhance community and supportive housing, and have strengthened mental health and addictions supports for people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.”

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada launched the National Housing Strategy (NHS) in 2017, an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
• Between 2011 and 2019, most federal funding for affordable housing has been provided through the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH).
• Under the Investment in Affordable Housing, provinces and territories are responsible for choosing the programs they design and deliver, and also has the flexibility to invest in a range of affordable housing programs to meet local needs and pressures.
• Through initiatives like new construction, renovation, homeownership assistance, rent supplements, shelter allowances, accessibility modifications, and accommodations for victims of family violence, funding under the IAH is used by provinces and territories to:
  • increase the supply of affordable housing across Canada;
  • improve and preserve the quality of affordable housing;
  • improve housing affordability for vulnerable Canadians; and
  • foster safe, independent living.

Associated links:

As Canada's authority on housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

Check out the National Housing Strategy Housing Funding Initiatives Map to see the affordable housing projects that have been developed across Canada.

For information on this release:

Daniele Medlej
Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
Daniele.Medlej@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Chris Poulos
Office of the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
chris.poulos@ontario.ca

MMAH Communications Branch
MMA.Media@ontario.ca